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Blog entries tagged with "home improvement":
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Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers
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I thought I should share something I did over the 4th of July weekend. I think it is an easy way (but a lot of work) to improve your home's front yard. Perhaps you already knew about this way but in case here it is how I got to change the way my "mailbox yard" used to look: 
Remodeling projects for your home can be as intimidating as they are rewarding. Having the right team to get the job done can make a huge difference. The first thing is to determine what kind of professionals you'll need for your particular project. Small jobs may only require trade specialists such … (0 comments)
Here are HGTV's tips for adding value to your home without spending a lot of money: 
What were they thinking when they designed this sink? Can you imagine the mess that could be made? Just lean over on the sink full of water and.....
If you're like most people, you are paying to heat the water for your home 24 hours a day, every day. The average homeowner pays to keep hot water hot even when they don't need it. Traditional water heaters make for standby energy losses that cost you money. We do not … (0 comments)
As I ponder the interesting tips and tricks I've learned through my extensive research of (ahem, addiction to) home improvement shows on the likes of HGTV and TLC, I can think of no tip that has worked better than one that I saw on BBC's "How Clean is YOUR House?"
Landscape lighting is an easy way to add curb appeal and makes outdoor living space useable once the sun goes down. Most home improvement stores offer lighting kits for the do-it-yourselfer. But, before you run out and buy some lighting, take a moment to determine its purpose. Following are the most … (0 comments)
As it gets warmer outside, make sure that your home's expenses don't make you hot under the collar. Here are our top ideas for this month:
Homeowners know that improvement and redecorating projects can be financially draining. Pair that with the fact that the cost of gas and groceries continue to rise and sprucing up your home may be on the back burner. However, you can still invest in some simple projects that provide a big impact, … (2 comments)
Do you live in an eco-friendly designed home and want to give props to the designer behind your masterpiece? The National Kitchen & Bath Association will be recognizing innovative approaches to water and energy savings in the bath with a new Best Sustainable Bath Award category in the 2009 NKBA competition.
I'd like to share these home inspection tips that my colleague Jim Walker provided for one of my recent newsletters. I've invited him to join ActiveRain, so hopefully we'll "see" him soon!
This is a part of our job that I am sure many more experienced Stagers and Redesigners are used to but it has been a real learning experience for me being new to the business. There are so many things to consider when you are handling the details of a job for a client when … (8 comments)
This Sunday, June 22nd I will be on air in Portland, Oregon with Brian Bushlach the host of the "Home and Wealth Show" on KXL 750Am. Brian owns Integrity Mortgage Planning and is a trusted subject matter expert in building wealth in the Portland, Oregon market. I love his informative blog too.
THE ROOF
There are some home renovations that really should be left to a professional. Finding a good contractor that is trustworthy and dependable can sometimes be a challenge, but with some preparation it can be done.
Everyone seems to be looking for ways to cut down on gasoline consumption to save money, but cutting down on energy consumption in your home is critical too. Free energy audits from your utility company are a popular way to save up to 30% on your energy bill... but you can … (1 comments)
Hi Everyone,
Who knew that this useless slab of rock in Brazil would end up on some kitchen counter in
Anaheim? I always find those shows intriguing, like "How It's Made," and when I came across this picture of
granite I thought it was pretty crazy because I did not know … (2 comments)
Do-it-yourselfer's or anyone else looking for ideas and inspiration for remodeling their home in Marin County should attend the upcoming Marin Home Show scheduled for June 7-8, 2008.
32nd Annual Marin Homes Show
Hundreds of local home improvement companies will exhibit at this years Marin Home Show. This is wonderful event for all of your … (0 comments)
In three weeks, the Federal Open Market Committee will meet again and markets anticipate another cut to the Fed Funds Rate.
Based on data compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland at the close of business yesterday, traders put the probabilities of the Fed's next move at:
62 percent … (0 comments)
I mentioned this site in a previous post but I wanted to write a little more because it is a awesome service. I do not know the cost involved but you have to watch the demo because it is really awesome what they do ... all online! I can only imagine … (0 comments)
It's that time of year where garden centers are buzzing with anxious homeowners ready for some color in their landscape. If you're dreading the idea of crowds, get a head start now by going online. Visit bloomingblulb.com, America's number one source on the web for flowering bulbs, and your plants will … (0 comments)
Plastics have a long honored tradition in counter tops - from the old stand-by of laminate counters like Formica to the composite solid surface counters like Corian. 
Several comments to my April 14th post, Extreme Remodels ~ Are They Worth It? , requested updates on progress made to the ambiscious project I depicted, and I am glad to oblige. 
This great local home improvement store is perfect for all your home remodeling/building needs and has become a favorite recommendation of/for my clients!
We have all seen shows for home improvement some with large budgets some with small budgets. What they all have in common is the fact that there will most definitely be a cost. Since a large budget provides a limitless selection products and materials to make a big impact, we will … (1 comments)
Who says home improvement has to be expensive? A couple of hundred dollars and a little creativity can go a long way.After watching so many of the Home Improvement shows an television, here are a few ideas for refreshing your home's look on a small budget:BathroomIt's amazing how small details can … (0 comments)
Your front yard is one of the first areas a potential buyer will see when driving by your property. If you want to entice them to set up a viewing, you'll want to put some focus and attention on the landscaping and curb appeal of your front yard. Another reason to … (0 comments)
Final photos are in...this is the end of the road... the fat lady is singing! 
Best color to paint a house: Yellow houses have the most curb appeal, as most people associate yellow with sunshine, optimism and warmth (it been reported that yellow houses sell faster than any other color). Oil Based Vs. Water-based paint: Stick with and oil based paint for exterior applications only when there is already … (3 comments)
All home renovation projects are not created equal. When renovating your home, it pays to consider which projects will bring you the best return when it’s time to sell your home. What we think may appeal to a potential buyer, may in fact have been a “wasted” renovation. Of course, when … (6 comments)
A bit of forethought when you tile a floor in your home can preserve the look of your floors and save you money in the future. After you have selected your new tile for a surface in your home, be it a kitchen counter, a living room floor or a bathroom … (0 comments)
April is ... 
The other day I did a blog on ROI for home projects. Pacita Dimacali http://activerain.com/pacita pointed me towards more up-to-date information. Here's a summary of what I found for New England and the National Average.
Crown Mouldings speak elegance and style for room enhancements. But many are reluctant to tackle such a complex do-it-yourself upgrade. But crown mouldings can be a weekend project for almost anyone now. Now skill required! If you can handle a ladder and a caulk gun your set!
Hey Folks!
Are you investing too much into home improvements? You bet you are if your projects "over-improve" your house for your neighborhood.As your personal real estate professional, I can tell you exactly when a remodeling project is an "improvement" and when it doesn't pay. I see the bottom line at resale. (Especially … (0 comments)
What comes in thousands of different colors but is green all over? Well of course; the latest in environmentally responsible paints. When preparing to stage and sell a house a dead give away of lack of upkeep is the strong odor of fresh paint on the walls. The solution is eco-friendly … (4 comments)
Here are some easy, inexpensive fixes that will help create that outside appeal and get you one, giant step further to a sale.1. Paint or stain the front and garage doors, especially if they show any weathering. These are the first visuals where a potential buyer focuses. If garage doors are … (6 comments)
YOU CAN'T MISS WITH DEANE & CHRIS Call them today! OK? DEANE & CHRIS's MAIN WEBSITES BUYERS ALMANAC SELLERS ALMANAC MORTGAGE ALMANAC ----------- THANKS. Deane and Christopher Harker YOU CAN'T MISS WITH DEANE and CHRIS CALL US NOW - DON'T YOU WAIT … (0 comments)
When it comes to home improvements, we often end up doing a lot of the work ourselves. But should we do-it-yourselfers really do all the work. There are some jobs where a professional may be required. These would include any job that might be dangerous or where a mistake would … (1 comments)
WOW, I read this the other day and it just confirms what I have been advising my clients for years. Read this article that was printed in the local paper just 2 days ago 
According to the latest trends in kitchens, most of us have a kitchen that is soon to be outdated! New fads are being introduced into the kitchen which could catch on. 
If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, or finishing your basement, you probably want to get your investment back when you sell your home. But when if comes to payback value of home improvements, some are definitely more profitable than others. As a general rule, kitchen and bathroom projects usually get … (0 comments)
Getting Ready to Remodel or make Home Improvements? 
Thinking of remodeling your home? In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a homes value and general appeal. Afterall, isn't that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers … (0 comments)
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Tired of rising energy bills? Aren't we all? There are times when I wish I could just move to a desert island--away from electric, water and gas bills. But then again, it would be pretty hard to run down the road and get my Starbucks Iced Latte fix in the middle … (0 comments)
With Spring just around the corner, you may have started making a to-do list of home projects. If painting is on that list, check out these tips for choosing the right paint colors for your home. 1). Find your inspiration--look for colors in pieces of art, pillows, or fabrics that … (0 comments)
Every four years we are blessed with an extra day in the year. I think this is the way of trying to squeeze an extra hour into every day to get extra things done that you don't always have time for. How many times have you wished there were more hours … (2 comments)
The Punch List , through EJL Contracting offers a variety of home improvement ideas, green living tips, advice from our resident mortgage blogger and so much more.If you offer one of the following services and are interested in being a contributor to our blog, please e-mail Tiffani at TLawton@ejlcontracting.comLoan Officer InspectorAppaiserAuctioneerHome … (2 comments)
I've just discovered (well, maybe "discovered" is too strong a term; let's say I was informed of...) a terrific website. Its eHow.com, and it offers a ton of informative articles and how-to's on everything from home repair to landscaping to how to peel a pomegranate. The 'net is an often over-used … (1 comments)
I just finished laying new vinyl flooring in my bathroom. It was a lot of work, but the new look was well worth it. It's amazing what a few bucks and some time can do to your home. In fact, I only spent about $17 for the flooring.The bathroom in our … (0 comments)
Consistently improving on your home is one of the best investments you can make. Nothing makes your home more appealing to buyers than shiny new things. Pretty surfaces, modern technology, and up-to-date decor will bring out the checkbooks every time.Sometimes these improvements can really get expensive though, so when it's an option, … (4 comments)
Protecting Home Base Once you have purchased a home, you also need to protect its value. After all, for most people a home is their largest single asset. In fact it can be the basis for securing funding for other endeavors, like college or the purchase of a second property. Here … (2 comments)
Remodeling Your Home Renovating an existing home can be a significant undertaking. There are budget issues to resolve, permits to obtain, contractors to interview, and legal factors to consider. This article provides an overview of issues you may want to consider when updating the look or structure of your home. Budgeting BasicsEstablishing … (1 comments)
Are you considering jumping headfirst into a major home DIY project? If you are, take a moment to consider a few important preliminary steps. Home improvements can be like a Chinese puzzle of complexity, with interlocking parts that must proceed in exactly the right direction and order-or it simply doesn't work. … (0 comments)
A few statistics to prove the benefits of Professional Home Staging! 
Paul Pastore's Top 10 Ways Sellers Can Guarantee Their Home Won't Sell: 
When yesterdays older style patio just crimps your style, it's time to create a 21st Century leisure lifestyle bbq space. Did you know the "american leisure lifestyle" accounts for more than 6 billion dollars spent annually. "Clients are making decisions to extend their entertainment space so that it expands into their outdoor leisure lifestyle space". Before your project begins … (0 comments)
Have you ever been in a home with brand new carpets? Did you know that the "new carpet" odor is actually the carpet (and the adhesive used to install it) off-gassing? The chemicals used during the manufacturing and treatment process are being released into the air. These toxins include things … (0 comments)