Why a wood deck is one of the best investments a homeowner can make
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 | By Laura Malm(BPT) - As the seasons turn, more homeowners look for projects that not only make their homes more livable, but also offer great return on investment. With demand high across the country for outdoor spaces that bring the comforts of the indoors outside, there’s no surprise that d... More >>
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Increasing your resale value is easy when you save smartly
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 | (BPT) - Investing in home improvements is a smart idea when you’re thinking of putting your home on the market. So where is the best place to spend your money?While it may be tempting to make cosmetic home improvements including decorating touches or fresh coats of paint, upgrading vital home... More >>
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Got an 'impossible' space? The no-fail way to turn it into a bathroom
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 | (BPT) - Nearly everyone has a home improvement “impossible dream” – an inground pool in a postage-stamp-sized backyard or a professional-grade kitchen on a $5,000 budget. Some homeowners might say their can’t-do renovation is adding a bathroom in an impossible space. But ent... More >>
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Is a refinance the right decision?
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 | (BPT) - Once at rock bottom, interest rates have ticked up slightly in recent months. Still, the prospect of refinancing a mortgage remains attractive. Interest rates are projected to rise to 5 percent or above by August 2014, according to an August 2013, Freddie Mac study.“The window hasn't ... More >>
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Decked out from coast to coast: Top outdoor living trends for 2014
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 | (BPT) - From genteel porches in the East to sleek, seaside balconies in the West, the popularity of outdoor living spaces is poised for significant growth from coast to coast with industry analysts predicting it will be a $5.7 billion market by 2016. Reinforcing these projections, 63 percent of arc... More >>
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Fun in the sun. Warm weather destinations are tops with movers [Infographic]
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(BPT) - If you’ve ever shoveled your driveway or had your car die in the cold, you’ve probably dreamed of living somewhere warm. You’re not alone and each year more and more Americans are making that dream a reality, moving away from the Midwest and Northeast and to warm weather c... More >>
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Check the big move off the moving to-do list with ease
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 | (BPT) - When you’re planning the big move, you’ve probably created a lengthy to-do list of everything that needs to be packed, planned and previewed. While you’re likely excited about your move, stress can create a bit of an emotional upheaval as well.By staying organized and adop... More >>
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Lead with style: How to create clean, crisp curb appeal for your home's entry
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 | (BPT) - Whether you are building a new home, or want to refresh your existing home, choosing a contemporary style creates high-class curb appeal.But, what goes into contemporary home styling?Among the various ways architects and interior designers describe “contemporary,” two words come... More >>
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Nix the neutrals: Undoing open house decor to make a new home your own
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 | (BPT) - When selling a house, the mantra for most is neutral, neutral, neutral. To help potential new owners envision themselves moving in, real estate experts remind sellers to de-personalize their homes. That means removing family photos and mementos and replacing favorite color schemes with more... More >>
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The best home improvement for less than $5,000
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 | (BPT) - Curious which home improvement costs less than $5,000, delivers the highest return on investment and has the maximum impact on curb appeal?According to the latest studies, the answer is a new garage door.A garage door replacement is one of the best value-returning home improvement investmen... More >>
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Renovating? Laying a good foundation for home improvement success
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 | (BPT) - You’ve probably heard the saying: “Your home is your castle.” But if your current home - or the home you’re thinking of buying - feels more like the servant’s quarters than the royal palace, you may need to plan a renovation. At times like these it’s easy... More >>
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Spring-prep steps for your sun-friendly skylights
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 | (BPT) - When spring finally arrives, windows and skylights across the country will open, as happy homeowners revel in all that sunshine and warm, fresh air. But before you can savor spring, you still have weeks of winter to get through. You can use that time wisely to ensure all your home’s w... More >>
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Meeting buyer demands in a seller's market: Top trends for 2014
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 | (BPT) - With many real estate industry watchers predicting 2014 will be a seller’s market, you may think you won’t need to do much to sell your home this spring. Not so fast – while more buyers are likely to be competing for homes, that doesn’t mean they’re willing to ... More >>
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Reaching new heights: 4 tips for finding a skilled roofing contractor
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 | (BPT) - Purchasing a new roof is one of the most important – and biggest – investments you can make in your home. That’s why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable professional on hand to guide you through each step of the process. In fact, choosing the right contractor is jus... More >>
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