Deciding how to vote...
 A woman, Anne McManus, who is running to be our state congresswoman came to my door on Saturday. That visit made me think about reversible images and changed how I think about voting. Look at the picture. What do you see? A candlestick or two people facing each other? People have been known to argue vehemently because they can only see one. But, in reality both are correct and if you make an effort you will see both images.
I don't agree with Anne on everything but she listened and communicated to find a shared perspective. And, she worked very hard going door-to-door on a 100 degree Saturday. Maybe, if we all voted for people who are willing to see the other viewpoint and work diligently when things are tough - even if we don't totally agree with them - government would be more effective. It is definitely a different perspective worth considering.
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What You Should Know About Hidden Health Risks in a Home
By E. E. Kane
 They don't build them like they used to, and when it comes to lead paint, asbestos or other problems, it's a good thing. However, older houses have charm, character and solid materials that many new ones just can't match. How can you handle the problems so you can enjoy, or sell, that old house?
Lead Paint Problems
Homes built before 1978 contain lead... Read More |
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Wood vs. Composite Decking:
Which is Best for You?
By Eric Engel
 Whether you're building around your back door or around a new swimming pool, your deck is an important home upgrade. It will add (or detract) from your home's visual appeal, and it will affect your home's appraised value. But most of all, it will become part of your home—one that you can't replace on a whim. So, you'll want to choose your deck materials carefully before making the investment. Here are some comparisons... Read More |
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Ten Tips for the Perfect
Bathroom Remodel
Courtesy of ARAcontent
 Giving an old, tired bathroom a makeover is one of the best things you can do to increase your home's resale value. And while it can take some planning, remodeling your bathroom is easily within the capability of most homeowners.
While bathrooms often are among the smallest rooms in your home, they're often the most used and valued spaces in our homes, and are among the smartest remodeling investments... Read More
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Pre-Approval Can Help You Get the House You Want
By B. Conrad
 Before you even go looking at houses, find a good lender and apply for a loan pre-approval. The lender will go through all the paperwork, look up your credit record, verify your income and so on. Of course, they can't actually approve a loan for a specific house, but going through the pre-approval process has a number of benefits for you.
1. It will tell you your price range.
The lender will determine the total mortgage amount they can approve for you. Then, using current interest rates and local property taxes and insurance rates, plus the amount of money you
have saved up for a down payment,
they will figure out how much house
you can afford.
This eliminates the guesswork. If you just guesstimate how much you... Read More |
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Summer Lawn Care Tips
By Melinda R. Cordell
 In summer, the grass starts growing like crazy. This means you start mowing like crazy. Could you use a little help? Here are some tips for making mowing easier and keeping your grass looking great all summer long.
Be sure your mower blades are sharp.
Dull blades tear the grass, making it more prone to disease. Sharpen your blades several times during the summer.
Raise the mowing height to three inches.
Taller grass looks lush, shades its own roots from the hot summer sun, and saves on water. Grass that's cut too short is stressed and dries out... Read More |
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