home: Shopping Made Simpler - 08/25/08 02:13 PM
We've all been there - you decide to take the plunge and buy a new dining room table, but just can find the right one.  You've spent countless hours searching stores, catalogues, and websites and you can't help but wish there was one place you could go and see all of the cool stylish dining room tables in one place.  Well, help has arrived in the form of New York Magazine's Shop-A-Matic.
Shop-a-matic is a feature on New York Magazine's website where they take one item - say dining room tables - and scour the internet for the best of the … (0 comments)

home: Kitchen Remodeling Budget and Design - 07/23/08 03:35 PM
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects and is an excellent investment.  However, before diving into a large kitchen remodel, carefully consider both budget and design. 
When planning your initial kitchen remodel budget, it is useful to allocate 40-50% of your budget for cabinets, 20-30% for appliances, 20-25% for countertops, 10-15% for flooring, and 5-15% for lighting.  The primary material costs include cabinets, counters, appliances and floors, with lighting, paint, and accents topping it off.  Keep in mind that designers usually charge $50-$150+ per hour, so plan your budget accordingly if you plan to hire professional design … (0 comments)

home: Current Tax Incentives Make Home Buying Advantageous - 07/11/08 06:17 PM
Owning your home is always desirable than renting. But these days, the bleak outlook on heavy mortgage and foreclosures are driving home buyers away.
The government has intervened with the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071220-6.html). Passed to help taxpayers escape mortgage interest tax, this counter measure can be applied to your best advantage. Combined with other financing incentives from the federal governments, banks and financial institutions, downtime actually becomes a great time to secure your home or build up your property portfolio. Loan limits are higher and you can also check out the lifted charges for capital gains and … (0 comments)

home: 15 Eco-Friendly Tips for Your Home - 07/10/08 06:39 PM
1. Buy efficient appliances.  Appliances like the Kenmore Elite Dishwasher and the Kenmore Elite Refrigerator are designed to conserve energy and function efficiently while also looking sleek and modern.   Many companies now sell high-efficiency washing machines and dryers that save water and energy which makes it easier than ever to be green while you clean.
2. Update your cabinets and countertops.  By using sustainable products like Silestone or PaperStone countertops, you'll purify the air in your home while adding style that is also easy on the planet.
3. Dish it up naturally.  Products like bamboo dishes from Bambu or enamelware from … (4 comments)

home: Preserving Old Town Charm at the Prescott - 06/20/08 05:27 PM
One block north of King Street, at 1115 Cameron Street #105, Alexandria, VA is the Prescott, a 64-unit residential condominium that is designed to blend with the Old Town charm yet feature modern amenities.
The Prescott offers two-bedroom units with 9-foot ceilings in the living areas, hardwood flooring, designer blinds on all windows, spacious walk-in closets, insulated windows, spacious kitchen with granite countertops and maple cabinets, and luxury baths. Building features include a rooftop terrace, underground parking space, and controlled access to garage, elevators and lobby.
The relative lack of amenities common in other luxury condominiums like a pool or gym … (0 comments)

home: Tips To Help You Start Your Home Project - 06/10/08 01:07 PM
Envisioning your new home or simply making improvements to your residence can be exciting and challenging. The new lighter shade of paint to go with the handsome leather couch, the mosaic tiles in the bathroom - these ideas can get stuck in the mind and leave you impatient to start and finish at once.
But being fast is not advisable because although exciting, home projects are also demanding particularly on the pocket. Any work that demands expenses is better tackled first with study and preparation. 
The following tips will help you get started:
1. Plan your goal
Put the wishes and visions … (0 comments)

home: Largest Furniture and Home Décor Expo - 05/30/08 06:16 PM
What used to be a Cadillac dealership is now your destination for the biggest selection of luxury home décor and furniture. Tysons Design Expo on 8595 Leesburg Park, Vienna has brought together the best brands and designer tools to help complete your home furniture and decorating projects. Now open for trade and the public, visit this one-stop shop and get started choosing and fitting together your home ideas.
Tysons Design Expo contact details are (703) 356 4002 and www.tysonsdesignexpo.com
… (3 comments)

home: Warning Signs of Predatory Lending - 03/19/08 05:47 PM
"Predatory" lenders engage in illegal and unethical practices that put people's homes at risk. Here are a few of the practices that borrowers should look out for, according to the government:
Deliberately lending more money than a borrower can afford to repay, often by encouraging borrowers to lie about their income, expenses or cash available for a down payment.
Pressuring borrowers to accept higher-risk loans such as those with interest-only payments and steep prepayment penalties.
Selling properties for much more than they are worth using false appraisals. Be wary if the house you are buying costs a lot more than other … (0 comments)

home: 48th Annual Washington Home & Garden Show - 03/12/08 04:16 PM
We have been talking a lot about home renovation in the last few posts.  This is a topic that is on all of our minds as the weather starts to warm up and we are able to do more things both inside and out.  A major component of exterior renovation is your garden and landscaping vision.  If this has been an area where you would like to make some improvements, you should visit the 48th Annual Washington Home & Garden Show.
The Home and Garden Show will showcase springtime inspirations from across the country.  The Garden Marketplace will feature everything from water lilies to bonsai … (0 comments)

home: Habitat ReStore – Saving You Money and Helping the Community - 03/07/08 04:34 PM
In our recent post about the Capital Home & Garden Show, we mentioned donating items to the Habitat ReStore.  The ReStore (7770-A Richmond Highway, Alexandria) is such a great place, we thought we would tell you a little more about it.
ReStore is a resale business that sells new and gently used building materials and home improvement items to the general public.  All of the materials are donated by local retail businesses, building contractors, suppliers and individuals and are sold at prices 50-90% below retail.  The Alexandria ReStore contains 16,000 sq. ft. of items including new or almost new appliances, top-of-the line carpet … (3 comments)

home: Spring Has Sprung (Well, Almost)... - 02/22/08 02:19 PM
Despite the dreary D.C. weather we are having right now, spring is right around the corner.  For many people, that means getting started on all of those household projects you have been putting off all winter.  If your place is in need of some spring sprucing and you are in search of a little inspiration, this weekend's Capital Home & Garden Show may be right up your alley. 
From February 21 - 24, the Dulles Expo Center will be home to the show which is focused on the latest in home remodeling, gardening and much, much more.  If visiting rows and … (0 comments)

home: Green Living: Natural Decor Better For Earth And Your Wallet? - 02/15/08 07:09 PM
by Phoebe Chongchua
Sellers are looking for ways to get the most for their homes and buyers, of course, are looking for the best value. The a flowing floor plan, a spacious layout, a not-so-crowded street, great curb appeal, low HOA or planned community fees, etc. are certainly big influencers for buyers. But so, too, are some of the items in your home that you might not give much consideration.
A changing environment and more talk of all the trash that's filling up our landfills is causing more people to go green by using recycled goods or products that are renewable and … (0 comments)

 

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