Real Living

Trim Your Trees Regularly

2009-10-20T10:09:00.003-04:00

Many people put off the hassles of tree trimming because it’s either too expensive, inconvenient or because it may slip their mind. Trimming your trees is a necessity because it helps promote tree growth and it diminishes potential safety hazards. Many advise hiring a professional arborist to shape your tree and cut problematic limbs. If you prefer doing it yourself, make sure you take caution

Choose a Mortgage Lender that Meets Your Needs

2009-10-05T16:15:00.002-04:00

If you’re looking to secure a loan that will help you purchase the home of your dreams, it’s important to have an ethical, qualified and dependable mortgage lender on your side—protecting your best interests and helping you get the loan that's right for you. Your lender should be a trusted partner who understands the array of loans offered, and can match them to your needs, wants and desires.So

Fall Maintenance Tips

2009-08-04T17:19:00.003-04:00

Routine home maintenance is integral to great curb appeal during any month of the year. Keep your home looking its best with these recommended maintenance musts for the fall. Clean Dryer Vent DuctExperts advocate cleaning your dryer duct at least 2 times each year. This can be done by disconnecting the duct from the rear of the dryer and pulling lint, dust and other debris from the duct with a

What’s Your Home Worth?

2009-09-23T11:18:00.002-04:00

Determining your home’s worth is one of the most important decisions you will encounter when putting your home on the market. For some, it can also be one of the toughest to face because when it comes time to sell, homeowners sometimes have a tendency to reminisce about all the fond memories made in the home over the years. These memories may be priceless to the home seller, but to a prospective

Should the 2009 First-Time Homebuyers 8K Tax Credit be extended?

2009-09-14T10:05:00.004-04:00

You be the judge! Cast your vote. Should the 2009 First-Time Homebuyers 8K Tax Credit be extended?(survey software)For more information on the 8K Tax Credit, check out RealLiving.com

Provide Detailed Listing Information Online

2009-09-03T15:44:00.001-04:00

If you’re in the process of selling your home, give a potential buyer the information they need when considering your home—especially online. According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), 87% of buyers use the internet as a resource when looking for a home. So, get your home out on the internet where these high percentages of buyers can view it. Here's a list of information your

Simple Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Home

2009-09-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

There is no denying that environmentalism is one of the hottest issues of the moment. We are consistently hearing people state that our planet is changing for the worse because of the strains we have put on our natural resources and the amount of unnecessary energy we consume each day. The good news is that there are many little things you can do around your house to make your home more

Purchasing a Home on Your Terms

2009-08-17T09:53:00.001-04:00

Buying a home is an exciting venture, and it’s important to find a real estate agent that will lead you through the home transaction. Before you begin this exciting process, take a look at this quick 10-step plan to buying a home on your terms.Conduct a Comparative Market AnalysisAn agent can deliver a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which is a breakdown of homes in a particular location that

Top Ways to Improve Curb Appeal

2009-07-27T17:29:00.002-04:00

When a potential buyer is in the neighborhood, it’s important for your home to look the best on the block. Here are some tips for boosting curb appeal and capturing the attention of passersby.1. Mow the lawn and plant sod where grass is sparse.2. Trim tree limbs that are close to the roof and power lines.3. Weed flower beds and lay mulch.4. Store tools and equipment in a shed or garage.5. Add

Studio Apartment Living

2009-07-20T16:24:00.002-04:00

Affordable, luxurious one, two or even three bedroom apartments and homes are hard to come by; however, studio apartments are a bit more affordable and accessible. Make your studio more functional with these simple tips.Take Your Studio to New Heights In a studio apartment, it’s absolutely necessary to utilize all the space you have—that means using your wall-space and stacking anything and

Summer Watering Tips

2009-07-14T16:15:00.001-04:00

Here are some summer watering tips to help green your lawn and satisfy your pocketbook.• Make a rain barrel and connect it to a downspout.• Use a soaker hose instead of sprinklers to minimize evaporation.• Nozzles help reduce water waste by controlling water flow.• Mulch your landscape. Mulch keeps weeds from growing and helps retain moisture.• Landscape with drought-tolerant plants.• Hydrate

Changes That Sell, Changes That Don't

2009-07-06T09:22:00.001-04:00

Think home improvements will substantially increase the selling price of your home? You may want to think again. Before you invest a lot of money into home improvements and upgrades, you should consult with a real estate agent to determine which changes will most impact your home's sale.Some renovations not only fail to improve resale profits, but could actually detract from your home's overall

Easy Ways to Cut Home Energy Costs Today

2009-06-29T13:22:00.005-04:00

Looking for some simple ways to cut energy costs this year? Here are a few tips and techniques that can help you reduce energy bills, help the environment and improve your home’s resale value. Heating and CoolingDo you have furniture positioned by your vents or radiators? By moving furniture away from these locations, warm or cool air can circulate through your home more effectively. At what

Getting Ready for the Big Move

2009-06-17T13:30:00.001-04:00

Here are some great examples of how just a small change can make a big

Protect Yourself and Your Home from Water Damage

2009-03-11T13:04:00.000-04:00

Don’t let roof leaks ruin a relaxing, rainy day. As the wet season approaches, it’s important to make sure your home is protected from roof leaks, rain run-off and more! Read on for helpful ways to combat any soggy situations you may encounter in the coming months. Gutters and DownspoutsWhen cleaning gutters and downspouts, it’s important to have the right tools. Take