Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling Their Home
By Amy White
Most people believe they know everything there is to know about selling their house. They sign a contract with an agent, hold an open house, and wait for those multiple offers. But some common misconceptions about the whole process could be hurting their odds of receiving an offer. Improve your own odds with a bit of knowledge.
Myth: People are buying your house, not your furniture.
You might be selling only four walls and... Read More |
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Tips to Avoid Mortgage Insurance
By Susan M. Keenan
First time homeowners looking to keep their monthly costs down should try to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) when buying a home. After all, this added cost could defeat the purpose of shopping around for the lowest interest rate for mortgages, the lowest APR, and the fewest chargeable points. Don't spend money on something you don't need or want.
Avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance is... Read More |
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New First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit!
The recent $787 billion economic stimulus bill includes an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. If you are familiar with the $7,500 tax credit for last year, the new $8,000 tax credit is similar, but with some improvements; the tax credit doesn't have to be repaid, the home purchase date has been extended, and there is a $500 increase in the credit amount. It's not a big change, but for those ready to buy, the new tax credit is an added incentive. Here are the... Read More
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Caring for Indoor Plants
By Gail Kavanagh
When you've no room for a garden, but you love natural beauty like flowers and plants, houseplants are the solution. Keeping plants healthy and fresh indoors need not be a tricky business. It's a matter of position, moisture and pest control.
Position: Place your houseplant in a favorable spot. Some plants require a lot more light than others. If your plant looks lifeless and the leaves lose color and shine, it needs a sunnier spot. But a plant that starts to look shriveled with yellowing leaves probably needs more shade.
Talk to your plant supplier about the best conditions for your plant. Plants that enjoy sunny conditions in the garden will also appreciate a sunny spot... Read More |
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Tips to Upgrade Lighting
Courtesy of NewsUSA
When it comes to home decorating, lighting proves just as important as paint color. Quality lighting allows you to perform tasks without eyestrain and creates a warm, comfortable feel.
When lighting a room, remember that you will need more than one type of light. You will need to use general lighting, or overall illumination, and task lighting, which helps you perform tasks like reading or cooking without eyestrain. Many homeowners also use accent lighting to spotlight paintings, shelves or other areas of visual interest. Using all three types of light will help homes look more attractive.
The American Lighting Association offers these tips for Americans... Read More |
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