realtors: Easy tips for sprucing up your home's exterior
- 05/06/11 11:34 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - With spring finally here, there's no better time to spruce up your home. But while most families are reorganizing closets and making trips to Goodwill, they are neglecting the part of their home guests see first - its exterior. After this year's harsh, long winter, the outside of your home probably needs more than a little TLC. "This was one of the worst winters America has seen in decades and unfortunately, snow, sleet and freezing rain can be damaging to the exterior of any home," says Rust-Oleum Brand Manager Dirk Sappok. "Moisture can create … (1 comments)
realtors: Five projects to take your home from cookie cutter to custom
- 02/15/11 08:40 AM
LIVE IN TARPONS SPINGS, FL (ARA) - A new home: It's your chance to personalize your living space with details that suit your taste and personality. Or, so you think. Many builders only allow you to choose colors; and offer limited options beyond their builders' grade materials. Or, if you've purchased a previously owned home, it too is most likely equipped with many basic options. Luckily, it's easy to bust out of builder basics and add a few easy and inexpensive updates to make your cookie-cutter home stand out from the rest. And what better place to start than the heart … (0 comments)
realtors: Future-proof your home with universal design
- 02/14/11 02:32 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - If you're a homeowner, you probably consider your home to be a long-term investment. But have you thought about future-proofing your house to maximize its value? Is your house large and accessible enough to raise a family? Is it possible that your in-laws may move in one day? Are you planning to stay in your home after you retire? Applying the principles of universal design can improve access and security, enhance style, and ultimately help your home meet the needs of you and your family for years to come. Universal design is a personalized … (3 comments)
realtors: Economy, housing market drive smaller, smarter home-remodeling projects
- 01/19/11 03:14 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Things may be looking up, but the economy remains sluggish. That reality, coupled with tight lending and home resale uncertainty, is driving consumers to prioritize home improvements based not just on immediate need, but also on potential appeal to future buyers. For the most part, it is best to make useful improvements that will appeal to a wide range of buyers down the road, say experts. Proceeding cautiously, homeowners are therefore thinking twice before undertaking major projects. When they do decide to remodel, they are sticking with smaller, tried-and-true improvements - like adding a … (0 comments)
realtors: Keep spring pests from hatching in your home
- 01/18/11 03:53 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - As spring approaches, homeowners won't be the only ones opting for stay-cations. Insects that hibernate during cold winter months reappear in the spring, setting their sights on a location closer to home than you think - the safety and warmth of your house. Hundreds of thousands of pests breed and hatch in large numbers in early spring. For example, most spiders live either one to two seasons and one female spider may produce as many as 3,000 eggs. "Hidden places in your home could be the breeding ground for pests that hatch in spring," … (0 comments)
realtors: For flat screens and wall mounts, there's no such thing as too slim
- 01/13/11 02:09 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Slim is "in" ... and not just for people watching their weight. Flat screen TVs and the wall mounts that turn the TVs into decorator showpieces seem to grow sleeker and slimmer every year. And when it comes to viewing technology, thinner not only looks better, it has practical advantages, too. Yes, ultra-slim flat screens may cost you a few more dollars initially, but in the long run will probably provide you with enough user satisfaction to justify the extra expense. And don't forget that prices for standard flat screens dropped precipitously in just … (0 comments)
realtors: Make your green renovation the envy of the neighborhood
- 01/12/11 03:06 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - What is it about "going green" that is so appealing? Even if it's not your favorite color, going green can benefit the environment, your health and reduce energy consumption, as well as overall energy costs. You may already recycle, use public transportation, buy local products or simply turn off the lights when you leave the room. While these simple practices can greatly reduce your overall impact on the environment, now is the perfect time to think about a total green renovation for your home. If the cost of a project is holding you back, … (0 comments)
realtors: Top 10 home decor trends for 2011
- 01/11/11 03:29 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. While typically the refrain for most brides, this adage holds equally true for the top home decorating trends for the coming year. What's old is new again Whether they're genuine period pieces being repurposed or home furnishings reproduced from popular items from the '50s, '60s or '70s, vintage will be hot next year, according to Kenneth Ludwig of Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings, Ltd. Examples include chair frames redone in new upholstery, traditional lighting fixtures in newer brass or pewter finishes, or products imported from Russia, Poland … (4 comments)
realtors: Selling your home in 2011-Tips to add value during winter months
- 01/10/11 03:00 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects: Make a first impression. The entryway is the first up-close encounter a potential homebuyer will have with your home. Manicure your front yard and update or even replace your front door to complement your home's exterior. Select a rich, dark stained wood … (0 comments)
realtors: Why winterizing your fence is an important part of home maintenance
- 12/09/10 03:10 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Winter rain and storms take a toll on metal gate hardware. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance. A well-maintained fence can protect your home and possessions, prevent young children and pets from venturing out of your yard without your knowledge, and keep unwelcome intruders out. A fence that has been allowed to deteriorate, particularly if the gate no longer closes and latches securely, is a liability. It won't provide constant reminders that … (2 comments)
realtors: Practicality and imagination key to affordable and stylish home decor
- 11/28/10 12:58 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Embarking on a home makeover project can be very exciting. Yet, you may find the process intimidating, both creatively and financially. In your mind, you see every detail right down to the important pieces, such as vases and frames, which make your house a home. But when you go to buy these items, they are either impossible to find or way out of your price range. Luckily the solution to your dilemma is easier than you think. With a little imagination and professional quality painter's tape, you can easily create these customized furnishings yourself. … (0 comments)
realtors: New Year's resolution: Save water without sacrificing your shower
- 11/17/10 02:51 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Thinking about making a New Year's resolution to continue to live a greener lifestyle? In addition to using energy-efficient appliances, carrying reusable shopping totes or recycling, consider reducing your dependency on one of the most precious resources - water. Try adopting new bathroom habits and updating your fixtures with products that will help you conserve water without sacrificing your experience. Saving water may turn out to be easier than it sounds, especially with a few simple tips. A recent eNation survey showed 83.7 percent of people take showers for the primary purpose of relaxing … (2 comments)
realtors: Design SOS: simple solutions for updating your space
- 11/15/10 03:47 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - With the emergence of home improvement design shows, DIY websites and blogs to reflect every style, it's becoming easier than ever to make your home a reflection of your personality. But what if your space is giving off the wrong impression? Whether it's the retro wood paneled basement inherited from previous owners or unsightly pink carpet that might have been a better idea in theory, there are countless ways for well-intentioned design decisions to turn into regrettable rooms. Although updating your space can seem overwhelming, a little organization, creative inspiration and a few simple … (1 comments)
realtors: Keep warm and dry by sealing your home
- 11/10/10 03:10 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Winter may cause many homeowners to contemplate a new heating system or other major investments, but some small, smart investments can often go just as far toward protecting your home and saving you cash. Through the proper home maintenance techniques, you can keep typical damage caused by snow, ice and rain at bay and avoid major home repairs. One of the best ways to protect your property from the elements is by sealing surfaces where rain, ice, wind and melting snow can intrude. You can save thousands in repair costs when spring arrives by … (1 comments)
realtors: A guide to getting rid of clutter in your home
- 11/02/10 04:15 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - You're feeling like the walls are closing in. You're not a hoarder, but you just have too much stuff. It's not that difficult to change your ways. If you want to take control of clutter, get a few boxes, one for each room in your home. Start by organizing one room at a time. Begin this initiative by removing everything on top of your cabinets, tables and in bookcases and place it all in a box, says Keith McCleary, academic director of Interior Design at The Art Institute of York - Pennsylvania. If there … (5 comments)
realtors: Hot paint colors for cool weather redecorating
- 10/27/10 03:49 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Summer was a sizzler, but cooler weather brings relief and a return to the indoors, which can seem a bit drab after the lively colors of summer. The easiest way to spruce up your decor is with fresh color on the walls. Along with the beauty and warmth of traditional harvest colors or the soothing calm of winter hues, consider going bold with your favorite vibrant shade of paint. Or, use a relaxed neutral that provides the perfect backdrop for colorful accessories. The color experts at Lowe's home improvement stores offer some insight into … (0 comments)
realtors: Brighten winter's dark days with simple home safety, security steps (
- 10/26/10 06:09 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The arrival of winter and daylight saving time means more of us will be getting up - and coming home - in the dark. The short, dark days of cool weather are a smart time to think about home safety and security. A home break-in occurs every 14.6 seconds, according to the FBI. The good news is that simple, inexpensive do-it-yourself projects can help to better protect your home and loved ones. From improving lighting to installing a wireless home security system, many safety-focused projects are easy and cost effective to accomplish. To brighten … (0 comments)
realtors: Hardwoods in unlikely places
- 10/22/10 02:42 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The no-no's about using hardwood near a water source are vanishing. And while allowing water to rest on a wooden surface for extended periods will always be a no-no, the American Hardwood Information Center, finds that more design professionals are saying yes to client requests for the warmth, charm and richness of natural wood no matter where it's used -- in the bath, the kitchen and even the basement. "I recently designed a bathroom that was all hardwood," reports Douglas Wright of Miller & Wright Architects in New York City. "The only place we … (1 comments)
realtors: A big and small energy saver for each room of your house
- 10/14/10 03:39 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Saving the environment can be an overwhelming task. With everything in the news about how to make your home more energy efficient, it's easy to become bewildered when thinking about all the improvements you could make. But there's no need to worry, as you don't have to make your home into a model for green living all at once. In fact, if everyone did just a few little things, the earth would see a gigantic benefit, so you can still do your part even if it doesn't mean retrofitting your entire home. And a … (4 comments)
realtors: Considering air duct cleaning? Know what lies beyond the big hose
- 09/15/10 03:34 PM
Live in Tarpon Springs, FL (ARA) - News that the air inside your home can actually harbor more pollutants and irritants than outside air may have you thinking about taking steps to improve your indoor air quality -- such as having your home's heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) cleaned. With cool weather approaching, you know your family will spend more time indoors and you want the air they breathe to be as healthful as possible. Duct cleaning is a good way to remove irritants from the air inside your home and can help your HVAC system function better for … (0 comments)
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