Mike's Take

  If you’re in the market for new construction, one of the first items you’ll need to address is where your home will be built: on a developed lot or undeveloped land. Let’s review the pros and cons of each. Lots, or developed land parcels typically partitioned by builders, have unique advantages...

      (BPT) – According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), low-maintenance landscaping outranks native plantings, water features and food/vegetable gardens among homeowners. Armed with know-how and using sweat equity, do-it-yourselfers can employ tips that professionals use f...

  Designate a spot A crucial rule to always follow when trying to conserve space is to give every item its own location. Yes, this may seem like an effortless task; however, how many of your measuring cups or hair products are the exact way you had them when they were first organized? Take the ex...

  Ever think of using your hairdryer to dust behind the sofa? Enterprising Woman’s Day Magazine readers shared surprising new uses for everyday items found in nearly every home: Dust hard-to-reach places with a hairdryer – Aside from clearing out dust behind the sofa, set the hairdryer on cool an...

                  Buying an older home can net you lots of charm and character, often at a more affordable price than you’d pay for a newer model. But, say home improvement gurus, a few strategic renovations can go a long way toward making it more comfortable and efficient. Renovation expert Bob...

      Are your closets brimming with household items? Are you using your garage to store anything but your vehicle? Has every nook and cranny become a catch-all for clutter? Many homeowners believe the solution to clutter is to purchase more – baskets, coat racks, storage units and anything else ...

Mortgage rates were mixed last week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate reversing last week's move and settling at 3.80 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.29 discount and origination points. The average 15-year f...

      (BPT) – Trusting a contractor with both your home and money can feel overwhelming. Spare yourself time, expenses and sanity by following these steps for choosing the best remodeling contractor.1. Decide what you want out of your newly remodeled home. Start thinking about goals, amenities an...

  Looking beyond what may seem like a "band-aid" tactic of testing for radon, I went looking for information about how the building industry is responding to radon risks. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, many builders are adopting Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) feat...

      Most homeowners know it is important to keep a home clean, bright and free from clutter while it is on the market for sale. But sometimes,REALTORS® say, taking the extra step to stage a home can make a difference in how a buyer values it and the price a seller might get for it, according to...