Lifestyle Trends

Today's laminate floors - a 'real' wood alternative

You love the look of natural wood flooring but are afraid to install hardwood because you know the floor will take a beating from the kids, dogs and the heavy day-to-day traffic all too common in modern family life. But you don't have to sacrifice high style looks for boring sensibility when considering a new flooring option in your home - not if you choose laminate. Read More

Weighing the costs of walking away from an upside-down mortgage

Owing more on your mortgage than your house is worth may seem like a bad investment. But the alternative - choosing to default on your mortgage even if you can afford the monthly payments - will take a significant toll on your credit rating. Read More

The new ways thieves are getting into homes: What you should know now

The idea of someone breaking into your home and stealing your possessions, or worse, threatening your family, is a terrifying notion. Unfortunately, over the years, criminals expand their repertoires of techniques to get inside homes. The good news is you can make your home more secure. Thieves are clever, but, armed with the right knowledge; you can be smarter than they are. Read More

Add value and appeal with four simple home maintenance projects

Projects to improve the value and appeal of your home don't have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time to accomplish. Read More

Simple accessory switches can lighten your decor for summer days

Replacing dark accessories with brighter, lighter ones is a fast, easy way to lighten the mood in your home. Re-accessorize the right way - spend your redecorating dollars on items that will give you the most impact for the lowest monetary investment. Here are a few ideas from some home decor experts to get you started. Read More

Create 'curb appeal' with easy home projects

Whether you're selling your home and want the best price, or you just want to be the envy of the neighborhood, creating "curb appeal" can be very rewarding. And you're confident you know what constitutes great curb appeal - siding, windows, doors and a lawn that are all in good shape. But is that all you have to think about when it comes to curb appeal? Read More

Five keys to smooth sales and bargain buys in a slow housing market

Not everyone who relocates has the luxury of doing it when school is out and the yard looks beautiful. If you're forced to sell your house and/or buy a new one outside peak season, you might have to work a little harder and think creatively. Read More

Affordable ways to make your new house feel like home

Even though numbers are down, 35.2 million Americans changed residences in 2008, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau. There are many ways to make your new house feel like home sooner than later. Read More

Creative tips for selling your house in a down market

The housing market in the U.S. has done a 180. What was once one of the most booming sectors of the economy has become one of the most depressed. And while there have been glimmers of a revitalizing housing market, homeowners still need to be more creative than ever in selling their homes. Read More

A new roof can put money back in homeowners' pockets

A 2010 survey by American Express indicates that homeowners will spend more than $6,000 on average on home improvements this year. For one lucky homeowner this money may come back not only in the form of enhancements to their home, but also thousands of dollars right back in their pocket. For others, installing a new roof could mean getting a little money back in their bank account. It's as simple as installing a roof and sharing the picture for all to admire. Read More