Home Improvement Information
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Selling Your Own Home – Pet Issues

If you are selling you own home, you need to consider the effect of pets. People who are working with a real estate broker are sure to get coached about the potential negative effect of pets. If you aren’t working with a broker, this article discusses the pet issue. When You Show Your Home If you are selling you own home, you must realize a lovable pet might cause the following problems: 1. The. . .

Selling Your Home on Your Own – Examples of Problems and Solutions

What can go wrong? About a gazillion things, but this is true if you’re working with a broker, too. A broker is probably more experienced than you, and may well have confronted and solved your problem on a previous home sale. If you can stay calm and think under stressful conditions, you can be your own problem solver without the need for a broker. Plus, there is no guarantee the broker will ge. . .

Real Estate Terms – From Home Inspections to Personal Property

When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “home inspection.” 1) Home Inspection – an inspection of the condition of a home. They are done item by item, from roof to foundation, and include looking closely at things like plumbing, heating, air conditionin. . .

Buying a Home -- Is a Home Inspection a Good Idea?

To avoid “buying a pig in a poke,” buyers have long demanded the closing on a home purchase be contingent upon a satisfactory inspection by a home inspection firm. In many parts of our country, we’re now experiencing a strong sellers’ real estate market and sellers often receive more than one purchase offer on the same day for their home. In this environment, buyers are rethinking the home ins. . .

Finding Structural Problems During Escrow – Small Rural Home Example

In rural home purchases, the transaction is often subject to a satisfactory home inspection being done. Any imperfections are usually corrected during escrow. Now and then, however, a home inspection uncovers severe structural problems. What happens then? Structural Problems – Small Rural Home With a small rural home purchase, the discovery of structural problems can be more problematic. Typica. . .

REPAIRING PUTTY WINDOW GLASS

Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in your house, but didn't think you could do it because nobody ever taught you how to cut glass? Well, you really don't have to know how to cut glass in order to repair your window. If you knew how to remove the frame, you could order a replacement piece of glass from your local glass shop already cut to the proper size. Then, it's just a matte. . .

Checking for Asbestos in Your Home

If you are concerned about asbestos exposure you are not alone. Many individuals wonder if they have been exposed, and if so, what they can do to help protect their health. If you think that you have been exposed to asbestos or are looking for ways to prevent an exposure, look no further. We will go over some of the health problems that arise from asbestos exposure, and what can be done to p. . .

Single hung aluminum window glass repair

Let's talk about repairing broken glass in an aluminum frame single hung window. If it's the lower sash pane that is broken, it must be removed from the inside. You are going to have one of three different mechanisms that hold the lower sash up when you slide it open. If you can't see any mechanisms on the sides, then you have a block and tackle system consisting of a string and spring assembly. . .

The Truth About Honda Pressure Washers

"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers" I recently received the following e-mail regarding honda pressure washers: "I was unaware Honda made pressure washers. I can get one locally now that I have seen your web page". Thank You My response: Thank you for visiting our website. I would like to point out that HONDA "does not" manufacture pressure washers. Honda makes Engi. . .

Single pane glass repair in an aluminum frame,part 2

This week we are going to continue our series on single pane window glass repair. Let's talk about broken glass in a fixed window, usually referred to as a picture window. The most common type will have metal stops on the outside, around all four edges of the window glass. Sometimes these stops will be held in place with screws, and other times there will be aluminum stops that snap in place. I. . .

Selling Your Home – What Can Go Wrong With Title and Lenders

If you’re selling your home, there are going to be difficulties at some point in the transaction. Some problems can’t be fixed. It’s important to figure out whether yours are fixable or not. Then you can either fix them or move on and find another buyer. If it’s priced appropriately, there’s a buyer out there for virtually every property. Title Problems You get a call from the person searching . . .

Basement Remodeling Starts With Permanent Waterproofing

Basement remodeling can add lots of extra living space to your home but beware; basement water leakage could put a real damper on your hopes if not properly corrected. There are two conditions you must address for a dry basement, actual water leakage and condensation. Water leakage is a pretty obvious concern to homeowners but many are unaware of the problems that high humidity can cause to a f. . .

Selling Your Home – Be Sure It Shows Well

Whether you are selling a house, townhouse, condo or apartment, there are universal tips that will help it sell. Primary among those tips are making sure your home “shows well.” First impressions of a home go a long way to determining how quickly it will sell. Here are a few suggestions that will make your home show well. 1. Be sure the approach to your home is clean, tidy and well groomed. Any. . .

DUAL PANE WINDOW GLASS REPAIR

For the past few weeks, I have been explaining how to repair a broken window pane in your home. But, what if you have dual pane windows? Is the process the same? Well, pretty much, except for a couple of variations. So, let's review the single pane repair process, and I will point out the differences regarding dual pane windows. When we start talking about dual . . .

Here is Why You Should Use Gypsum in Gardening

Do you have clay or layer of hard subsoil problems in your garden? Then gypsum may be the answer to help loosen the soil structure. It is not considered a miracle substance and you will find that it doesn't work right away, but a 3 year program of applications should help improve the poor soil conditions. It is not expensive and is easy to spread where needed. Gypsum also has a job of repairin. . .

FSBOs –The Secret of “After Settlement Escrow” to Solve Problems

Most FSBOs (people who are selling their own homes) are aware of the conventional use of escrow. In this article, we look at ways to use escrow to solve problems. Escrow Escrow means different things in different parts of the country. In California it’s part and parcel of the settlement process. In Virginia, while there’s no formal escrow before settlement, the settlement agent gathers title . . .

Single pane Window glass repair in an aluminum frame

Happy new year everybody. I hope this is the year that you all find whatever it is that you are seeking in life. I really enjoyed seeing my family this holiday season, but two weeks is about all i can handle. I'm definitely glad to be back here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Let's suppose you still have those old aluminum single pane windows in your house,and one of the neighbor kids throw. . .

REPLACING YOUR SLIDING GLASS DOOR ROLLERS

If the sliding glass doors in your home are more than 10 years old, you might notice that they are becoming harder to slide open. This problem is even more common on aluminum frame dual pane doors. The reason is because the doors are heavier due to the dual pane glass, but many of the aluminum units did not use stainless steel rollers. So, in many cases, the rollers get rusty from moisture and . . .

Promoting Your Open House

A good way to get potential buyers interested in your home is to have an open house. Of course, you have to make sure they know about it. Looking Good There is one mandatory step that must occur before holding an open house viewing. The property needs to be spruced up so it shows well. This probably should have been taken care of before the property was put on the market, but review that aspect. . .

Coinciding Settlements Clauses – Funding Issues

People who are selling their home in order to buy another frequently put a “coinciding settlements” clause into their contract offer on the new home. The purpose of this is usually twofold. In this article, we discuss the first purpose which is to use funds from the old home to pay for the new one. How Coinciding Settlements Work A coinciding settlement clause usually says something along the . . .

Fertilizing to Create More Blossoms on Your Flowers, Flowering Shrubs and Trees

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm The secret to making your flowering trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials bloom more is in the numbers. A. . .

Coinciding Settlements Clauses – Moving Issues

People who are selling their home in order to buy another frequently put a “coinciding settlements” clause into their contract offer on the new home. One reason for doing this is so they can move from one home to the other at the same time. Coinciding Moving Day? One reason people want coinciding settlements is so they can move out of one house and into the other the same day. Sometimes this wo. . .

Avoid Home Buying Blues at Closing

Buying a home is a stressful and emotional affair. You can avoid the home buying blues by keeping your cool at closing. I’ve just come from a settlement table at which a friend bought a new condo. It’s beautiful, convenient and just what she wanted. However, at the settlement table she and a relative whom she clearly loves got into a tiff with each other. What should have been a happy occasion. . .

Real Estate Terms – From Appraisals to Comps

When you’re selling your home or other real property on your own, you don’t have to know everything about the process. It does help to have a practical knowledge of the terms that come up during the process. Keep in mind, these aren’t intended as “be all, end all, penultimate” definitions. They’re working definitions for pragmatic folks. Let’s go… 1) Acceptance - A legal term referring to the. . .

What does it take to design and build your own fire pit?

There are many alternatives to creating a fire pit other than buying a firepit model that is ready-made and requires some simple assembly. If you are a do-it-yourselfer looking to design and build your own fire pit you don't need a fancy set of blueprints, just a vision of the type of pit you are looking to create. What does it take these days to build fire pits for outdoor campfires and barbeq. . .

Unique gifts - Send food gifts for something delicious and different

Whether it’s the Christmas holiday season or the middle of summer, the necessity of having to shop for a birthday or anniversary present is inevitable. While it’s always a thrill to find just the right gift for a friend or associate, sometimes issues such as lack of time or the difficulty of trying to find a unique gift: how many ties can you buy your brother in law, make the buying experience. . .

Pruning Weeping Cherry Trees and Other Grafted and Budded Plants

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm PRUNING WEEPING CHERRY TREES AND OTHER GRAFTED AND BUDDED PLANTS What do the terms grafting and budding . . .

Payday Loans: Convenient Money or a High-priced Trap?

Payday Loans: Convenient Money or a High-priced Trap? Do you want cash now however your payday is a week away, are you short of cash and require financial help? If so you have in all likelihood heard of payday loans and may be wondering about using this type of credit service. If you need quick cash a payday loan, especially if applied for online, is a speedy and easy way of obtaining emergenc. . .

“Try On” Your New Home Before Buying

It’s commonplace to try on suits, dresses, trousers or shoes before buying them. People instinctively know they need to try on clothes to be sure they fit, feel comfortable and are attractive on them. What about a home? It’s probably the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make. Isn’t it even more important to “try on” a home before you purchase it? What on earth do I mean? Well, it’s usual t. . .

Weed Control Facts - Winning the Battle of the Weeds

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm WEED CONTROL FACTS: WINNING THE BATTLE OF THE WEEDS Keeping your landscape plantings, flower beds, and nur. . .

Things To Consider When Buying A Home

When buying a home, it is easy to get caught up in emotions such as love at first site. This can lead to disaster. The best way to buy a home is to apply your daily life to it. What Do You Do Daily? Ask yourself what a typical day is like. Then, for any home that seems like a real possibility, think about how you’d handle a typical day there. Can family members shower and dress in a timely fa. . .

Growing and Caring for Rhododendrons and Azaleas

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm GROWING AND CARING FOR RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS Azaleas can be either evergreen or deciduous. Deciduous Az. . .

Lady Bugs Are Your #1 Natural Pest Control

First, this bug has many names. Some of it's names are: lady bugs ladybugs lady beetle asiatic lady beetle Asian Lady Beetle Asian Lady Bugs Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle The Ladybird Beetle is the correct name for a Lady bug and are not bugs but are beetles. Worldwide there are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs of which 400 are found in North America. The Convergent Lad. . .

How to Grow Flowering Dogwood Trees from Seed

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm Flowering Dogwood trees can be easily grown from seed, however 99.9999% of the seedlings that sprout will . . .

How to prepare your automobile for long term storage.

If you are leaving town for an extended period of time or are storing a vehicle for seasonal use, there are several things you can do to protect your automobile and insure it will be ready for use when you retrieve it. Taking the time to prepare your car right will save you a lot of grief and money later on. The first step is to find a suitable location for long term storage. This is critical. . . .

Tips to buying stained glass and reproduction Tiffany lighting

For anyone who appreciates the detailed beauty of illuminated colored glass, Louis Comfort Tiffany is really the person to thank. Today, the copper foil method is still being used to produce beautiful reproduction Tiffany lighting at affordable prices. If you are looking for a stained glass pendant fixture, chandelier or lamp, take a look at the manufactures below. These lighting designers mak. . .

The Internet Phone Revolution.

The Internet Phone Revolution. The world is on the brink of a phone revolution, with a growing number of people cutting their telecom bills by making free calls via the World Wide Web. A recent sign of this is that EBay, the online auction website, is so sure the idea will catch on, that it has paid $4.1 billion for the Internet Phone firm Skype Technologies. Shortly all the millions of people . . .

“Renting Back” After Your Home Is Sold

Sometimes it’s helpful to sell your home before you really want to move. This often happens when you are having a new home built, but aren’t sure of the completion date. Is there any way you can sell your home so you’re sure of the funds available for the new purchase, but continue to live in your old home until construction of the new one is complete. Yes, there is with the renting back strate. . .

Real Estate Terms – From Condominiums to Deeds of Trust

When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “condominium.” 1) Condominium - A type of ownership in real property where all of the owners in a collection of properties jointly own everything except the interior of each property. Accordingly, the jointly are. . .

Getting Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm HOW TO GET RID OF STANDING WATER IN YOUR YARD Do you have one or more areas in your yard that hold water af. . .

Gilding Leather

Gilding Leather Gilding is the application of thin sheets of gold or other metal alloy such as copper or silver, to a surface. The sheets are hand or machine beaten until they are extremely malleable and thinner than the thickness of tissue paper. Gilding was often used as decoration on book covers or picture frames in the past, and gives a look of richness to objects. When applied to finely. . .

Curtains, Windows and Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy. It is the study of living in harmony and prosperity with nature. Feng Shui means literally "wind water". It is a form of geomancy, trying to understand the relationships between nature and ourselves so that we may live in harmony within our environment. It is based upon the simple thought that our lives are deeply affected by our physical and emotiona. . .

$1148 in One Day with Plants?  You Bet!

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm HOW TO MAKE $1148 IN ONE DAY WORKING WITH PLANTS This article is actually an example of a simple yet, excel. . .

Real Estate Terms – From Easements to Good Title

When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “easements.” 1) Easement – permission given to (or acquired by) someone who does not own a parcel of real property enabling that person (or entity) to use that parcel for a specific purpose. It may add or detract. . .

Planting and Caring for Flower Bulbs

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm PLANTING AND CARING FOR FLOWER BULBS There is nothing quite as welcome as those beautiful spring flowers th. . .

Turn air into gasoline! Tire pressure and better fuel efficiency.

One of the easiest ways to improve the gas mileage for your car is checking the tire pressure in all four tires. Simply doing this routine tire maintenance can save fuel and increase the life of your tires. A government study concluded that by correctly maintaining your tires is like getting 2 “free” tanks of gas a year. With today’s fuel prices that could easily be $140! You will also increas. . .

Home Security: Exterior and Interior Lighting

Home Security Exterior and Interior Lighting It is a well-known fact, that satisfactory lighting is a very valuable deterrent to crime. Whatever lighting might help reduce your risk of becoming a victim, the right lights, utilized properly will be the effective deterrent to burglars and other intruders and improve your home security. Exterior: Outside lights are critically important, especiall. . .

Tips on choosing the best dog house for your pet

The Humane Society of America recommends dogs live indoors but sometimes it just isn’t possible. Maybe you own a large dog and just don’t have enough space in your home for the newest, furriest member. In this case, a dog house is a must. Here are a few tips on finding a dog house to suit your pet. The most obvious factor – geographic location If you live in an area with freezing cold winters . . .

Composting the Easy Way

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm COMPOSTING THE EASY WAY Having an ample supply of good rich compost is the gardeners dream. It has many uses, . . .

Low-Carb Diet, Should I or Shouldn't I?

It's no wonder that confusion reigns when it comes to the worth and reliability of low-carb diets after all the conflicting studies and confusing interpretation of the information. It seems like debates are popping up everywhere! No matter if it's Atkins, South Beach or some other low-carb plan, there are approximately 30 million Americans are on a low-carb diet. Supporters contend that the . . .

Curb Appeal – First Impressions Count When Selling A Condo or Townhouse

Curb appeal is the key to selling a townhouse or condo. Since common areas are controlled by a homeowners’ association, paying attention to details can make all the difference. Townhouses The same rules that apply to selling a house apply to townhouses except that the scale of things has to fit a smaller space and nothing can go around to the side unless you own an end unit. Townhouses do have. . .

Juggling Our Lives - Part 1 - Where We've Been

Let's take a brief look at the journey of American women through the last 100 years. Throughout this period, we have proved ourselves to be resilient and flexible, persistent and determined, dedicated, diverse, courageous, and perennially undiscouraged. The 20th century brought with it a wave of altered roles for women, resulting in changed and expanded obligations, through which we consistent. . .

Taking Title of Your New House

How you take title in your new home is key decision. Unfortunately, in the euphoria of the moment, many new homeowners don’t put much thought into it. Title When purchasing a new home, you become the title owner of record. Essentially, this means you are listed in public records as the legal owner. This may sound like a simple concept, but how you’re classified as an owner can impact legal and. . .

FSBO Wisconsin - Madison and More...

Once considered a bit of a backwater state, many Americans are reconsidering the virtues of living in the State of Wisconsin. Here’s a primer on Wisconsin real estate and living in the state. Wisconsin Wisconsin has stormed onto the scene as an ideal state to live in. From large cities such as Milwaukee to small towns and football Mecca’s such as Green Bay, the state invokes memories of a more . . .

Septic Systems 101 for Home Buyers

If you’re a city dweller who is looking for a home in the suburbs, it’s likely that you’re looking at homes with septic for the first time. This situation tends to make buyers nervous. It needn’t. Let’s take an overview of what a simple septic system is, how it’s maintained, and what you can do if you’re buying a home that uses one. A septic system is a self-contained system for disposing o. . .

Real Estate Terms – From Pre-Approval Letter to Townhouse

When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “Pre-Approval Letter.” 1) Pre-Approval Lender Letter – a writing from a lender stating that a potential buyer has approval to borrow a stated amount of money from his firm based on having documented all the person. . .

Tree Pruning Tips

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm TREE PRUNING TIPS There are two kinds of winter gardening. The first method usually starts in January as th. . .

Mulch Your Spring Flower Bulbs in the Fall for a Beautiful Spring Display

You are welcome to use this article on your website or In your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, Mulch Your Spring Flower Bulbs in the Fall for a Beautiful Spring Display Flower bulbs need a good, long, winter’s sleep. Like some people we know. . .

Curb Appeal – First Impressions Count When Selling Your Home

People selling their homes via real estate brokers get lots of coaching. People selling their own homes as FSBOs need the same. One of the most important topics on which FSBOs can benefit from coaching is “curb appeal.” How does your home look when a potential buyer drives up to the curb and takes that all important first look? Be Sure It Looks Great Single family residences require the most wo. . .

6 Steps to Effective Management During Change

Step 1: Establish Objectives The process must begin with a clear and detailed statement of objectives and move from there to goal design. Goals must be directly accountable to the vision while remaining in alignment with the stated purpose of the organization. This requires constant interaction with team members to determine that the they are on track, and with all internal clients to insure. . .

Pruning trees and shrubs to enhance garden views

For a homeowner who doesn’t necessarily spend much time in their garden but wants to enjoy it from above, taking into account the garden views from upstairs windows and/or decks will help in dictating the planting plan. In San Francisco, where garden space is typically 30’ X 30’, people look to maximize the design effects: creating outdoor rooms with patios, paths, fountains and arbors. The sa. . .

Home Improvement – Don’t Exceed Comps In Your Area

For most homeowners, the pride of ownership includes a consistent home improvement effort. While this makes sense, be careful you don’t improve the property so much that you can’t recover the costs when it is sold. Home Improvement You’ve picked up a heck of a deal on a home in a nice neighborhood. The purchase price was $200,000 and you put twenty five percent down [$50,000]. The comparable . . .

7 Factors Needed for a Compost Pile

Compost, made from decomposed grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches, becomes a dark, crumbly mixture of organic matter. Learn how composting works. Even a newbie to composting can make good quality compost. It can be compared to cooking as art or part science. The following 7 factors will help you master the art of composting. 1. Materials After a time anything that was once alive will. . .

How to Paint a Design on Leather Goods

Sometimes your leather goods need a little help and you've got the urge to dye or paint it. With dye it's pretty straight forward, but if you want to paint it there's a little more involved to make it look good. Whenever you are attempting a project like this, always test it out on a scrap piece first. When using different pigments, be sure to let one dry before adding the next color. Wh. . .

Avoid Problems Painting Aluminum and Vinyl Siding

Anyone with older aluminum siding is well aware of the paint chalking problem. Just rub your hand along the old siding and the chalky old paint will be all over your palm. Trying to get paint to stick to this could be a real problem. This is due to oxidation of the paint. Siding manufacturers originally referred to this problem as a “benefit”. They called it, “self cleaning”, as the paint liter. . .

Contemporary floor lamps - Add functional modern lighting!

If you are thinking about updating the look of a room in your home consider the addition of a contemporary floor lamp. There are several types of floor lamps designed to provide decorative and task lighting to your home and any room is fair game for adding a lamp. Matching contemporary floor lamps to modern home décor gives way to many light choices. From torchieres that provide wonderful upli. . .

Selling Your House - $100,000 Pets

Is your pet worth $100,000? It may be if you don’t make accommodations for it when selling your home. A Hundred Thousand Dollar Pet? A house I’d seen with a potential buyer in an attractive neighborhood built around two lakes sold for $100,000 less than was typical for the neighborhood. Do you know what caused it to sell for that much less? A pet. Actually, two pets. I can hear you thinking, “. . .

Indoor Hot Tubs vs. Outdoor Hot Tubs

Purchasing a hot tub is a large investment which means you will want to make sure it is located in the perfect place. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make regarding your hot tub is whether you want it indoors or outdoors. There are pros and cons to each location, each are outlined below in order to help you make your decision. Indoor Hot Tubs Advantages • Indoor hot tubs are pe. . .

3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online

If you are a consumer who knows just what brand or style of lighting fixtures you are looking to buy, the internet can save you money. Conversely, if you are just learning about what lighting fixtures, interior and exterior, are available for your home, the internet is a great place to get educated. To begin with, here are several types of interior fixtures available for your home: sconces, cha. . .

Buying a Home - What is a Home Inspection?

Any Sally and Sam Homebuyer can look at a home and decide whether it is attractive. They might notice it is freshly painted in pleasing colors, has the requisite number of rooms, a cook’s kitchen and is located in a location with top schools. But what about less obvious parts of the house? It takes special expertise to determine if the functional parts of a home are in good shape. If you attend. . .

Selling Your Home Yourself – Pricing It Appropriately

When you’re selling your own property, whether it’s a house, townhouse, condo, apartment, a finished lot, raw land, a farm, a ranch, or whatever, the first thing to get right is the price you ask for it. If you work with a broker, the legwork is done for you. When you work as a FSBO (for sale by owner), you need to figure it out yourself. Let’s look at how to do just that. Setting a Price Fi. . .

Selling Your Home – What Can Go Wrong With Pricing and Loans

So, you’re selling your home (house, townhouse, condo, apartment, land, lot, farm, ranch, etc.), what can go wrong? The sad fact is that a lot of things can go wrong. However, don’t despair, there are almost as many solutions as problems. In this article, we look at problems related to pricing and a buyer’s inability to get a loan. Price Negotiation A problem that shows up all too frequently du. . .

Elements of Timeless Leadership

Great leadership is timeless, always in vogue. The world has been hungry for great leaders from time immemorial. In times of chaos and war, environmental and social upheaval, great leaders often emerge pointing the way toward peace. In times of tranquility, calm and prosperity, great leaders have emerged to maintain the systems of order and to challenge apathy. Great leadership is always po. . .

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches

There are five basic types of cockroaches that enter our homes. American Cockroach Smokeybrown Cockroach Oriental Cockroach Brownbanded Cockroach German Cockroach The American Cockroach is probably the largest of all five. The American cockroach has a yellow band across its head. The smokey brown cockroach can be just a little smaller than the American Cockroach and is a dark brown or Mahoney i. . .

Molding Leather Armor

Molding Leather Armor In order to mould leather armor, soak it in water until it becomes pliable and soft. Then place it in the mould until it dries and hardens. Cuir Bouilli The application of heat will make the leather harder. If you were making a cover for a shield, for example, or other pieces of leather amour, the leather would be dipped quickly in boiling water before being moulded. . . .

Chiminea – Buy it for the versatility of enjoying both fireplace and grill!

I recently visited friends who served me a dinner of grilled salmon and baked potatoes, done to perfection in their chiminea. The sun was setting and it was cooling down but overall a wonderful summer evening. We wanted to converse and eventually, eat our meal outdoors. The bonus: the chiminea offered us warmth and the smoke kept some of the mosquitoes at bay (some still got us). I must say, as. . .

Homes For Sell By Owner – “FSBOs” - and Buyer Brokers

You’re selling your home as a FSBO (for sale by owner) and you get annoyed when real estate brokers call you, right? That’s a reasonable response when you’re doing all the work to market your property to save thousands of dollars in broker commissions. However, when a “buyer broker” calls, you might want to listen. Why Listen To understand why I say that, we need to understand the functions of . . .

Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers

According to recent surveys, over 85% of all homes with basements will experience some form of wet basement problems in their lifetime. Installing a sump pump in the basement can be a great benefit, even if it’s only to keep the water from getting deep or to act as a floor drain. What To Buy Sump pumps are generally sold according to the horsepower rating of the pump motor. You will see ¼ horse. . .

Finding Structural Problems During Escrow – Upscale Home Example

When buying and selling homes, the property purchase is often subject to a satisfactory home inspection being done. Now and then, a home inspection uncovers severe structural problems. Here’s an example of a situation in an upscale neighborhood. Severe Structural Problems Does the buyer walk away when there are serious structural problems? Yes, but not always. A lot depends on the constraints f. . .

A few easy steps to flush your automobile’s radiator and coolant system.

One of the most overlooked maintenance items on your car is the coolant system. Most people don’t even think about it until they are on the side of the road with the hood up and steam pouring out of the radiator. This traffic nightmare can be avoided by some simple routine maintenance. Your coolant system should be flushed every two years and the anti freeze replaced as well. The chemicals in a. . .

The History of Chocolate is a Record with Centuries of Appreciation

The history of chocolate doesn't mention the delicious confectionery's source until the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures came upon and recognized the value of the cacao plant. Chocolate makers used the products of the plant for currency and units of calculation. The first cocoa plantations were said to have been in northern South America where the Mayans migrated in about 600 AD. Christopher Co. . .

Is An Old Home for You? – The Pros

Is An Old Home for You? – The Pros If you prefer a home that is unique and has character, you probably are giving some thought to buying an older home. Before buying, it’s a good idea to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of owning the home. In this article, we cover the positive benefits I have realized by owning a home built in 1825. The Pros of An Old Home In 1972, my husband and I bough. . .

Portable Scooter and Wheelchair Ramps - Getting to know what types are available

If you are considering the need for a mobility ramp to keep you moving or to transport your scooter or wheelchair down from a truck or mini van, it is advisable to find as much information as you can on the types of ramps available. The wide variety of ramps on the market are ideal for negotiating steps and curbs, getting you smoothly over any transition in height that a doorway may present, an. . .

Hot Tub Safety for Children

Thousands of children are injured every year in hot tub and spa related accidents. Some of these incidences have even resulted in the fatality of young children. Taking the necessary precautions before allowing children into the hot tub can significantly decrease the likeliness of hot tub related injuries. Most people will only allow children to sit on the side and put their toes in the hot tub. . .

Home Safety for Your Children

Providing a safe environment for your child is one of the most important factors in how they will grow up. Ensuring your children are safe at all times can be a very difficult task but it is important to do your best to ensure they live in an environment where they feel secure. There are many safety devices and techniques you can use in your home which will help to ensure that nothing bad will . . .

Is An Old Home for You? – The Cons

So you think you might like to buy an old home? Perhaps even something old enough to be historic? It’s a good idea to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before you decide. There are plenty of both. Will the pros be valuable enough for you to be willing to cope with the cons? Where shall we start? With a cautionary tale, I think. The Cons of An Old Home In 1972, my husband and I bought a. . .

Title Insurance – Examples of Problems and Advice

What is title insurance and why should any buyer get it when purchasing a home (single family, townhouse, condo, apartment, or whatever format your home purchase takes)? Doesn’t the attorney or settlement company handling the closing see to it that you have a clear title? Isn’t this just another way for someone to siphon a few coins off a real estate transaction? Title Insurance Title insuran. . .

How To Make a Leather Wallet

I suppose if you search far and wide enough you could find the pattern to make a leather wallet from scratch, but why go to all that bother? If you don't get the holes lines up perfectly and each piece cut just right, it'll be a mess. Leather wallet kits are made in bulk, precision cut by machine. Leather Wallet Kits If you've been curious about making a leather wallet, it's much easier than . . .

Tips for maintaining your car battery.

You seldom think about your car battery until you are in a deserted parking garage late at night and your car won’t start. Then it becomes very important in your life. Car batteries require simple and routine maintenance in order to work properly over their lives. If you can open your hood and use a wire brush, you can maintain a car battery. First thing is to pop open your hood and locate your. . .

Fall Garden Planning - Garden plans for next spring and ordering by mail

It's August, the weather has cooled a bit here and the summer monsoons where I live in New Mexico have begun. The kids are starting back to school and I feel the onset of fall. I'm getting that garden planning itch again! It happens 2-3 times a year... This time, it's time to start ordering bulbs and perennials for fall planting. I'm always planning how my garden will look better next season an. . .