Archive By Section - HOME SCENE
Mulch: Unsung hero of the garden
Gardeners know that mulch is a great-looking layer of topping on the soil in gardens and landscapes, but mulch is so much more than just a decorative cover. Mirroring the leaf layer found on a forest floor, mulch covering can benefit both plants and soil.
Recoup ‘life estate’ maintenance costs
DEAR BENNY: We have an unusual situation. When my dad died, he left a life estate in a house/rented duplex to his widow. My sister and I have managed the duplex for 12 years, with all income going for repairs and any surplus to the widow. We would like to be done with it. His widow does not want to move.
Long-time renter ahead by owning
She's a single woman in Manteca in her 50s.
Turn to nature for inspiration when revitalizing tired interiors
The colors are blooming outside and chances are you're feeling inspired to add some color inside your home as well. Using nature as your guide, there are some quick and easy ways to refresh your home's interior.
Marriage of natural light & right colors works wonders for home decor
Mother Nature is a master decorator. In summer, she dresses the world in lush greens and vibrant floral hues. And in every season, natural light is one of her most powerful designer touches.
Avoid tax bite while saving brother’s house
DEAR BENNY: My brother bought his home about 15 years ago. He holds title only in his name, as a "single man." He lost his job a couple of years ago. He is older and is having a difficult time getting rehired. Long story short: He is now in arrears (18 months), owes escrow for taxes and insurance payments, and is facing foreclosure. His lack of employment is presenting a problem getting loan modifications or refinancing.
Turn-Key event offers big value
Woodside Homes is celebrating the start of its Turn-Key sales event this weekend, allowing homebuyers to unlock their choice of instant upgrades or assistance with interest rate buydowns or closing costs.
Set the scene for outdoor entertaining
It's not hard to get people to come to an outdoor gathering on a warm summer's evening, and it should be just as easy to pull together a memorable affair. To make the most of your time and budget, look for low-maintenance solutions that you can use throughout the season - and in summers yet to come. From the dishes you serve to the way you decorate, the less work you have to do, the more you'll be able to enjoy the time with your guests.
Next-generation technologies
When new technology makes its way into home design, often it enters through the kitchen. The heart of the home is also the portal for innovation, and many of the technologies that we now use throughout our homes were first applied in the kitchen.
The wrong way to sell a time share
DEAR BENNY: I recently read your suggestions on how to get rid of a time share. You suggested attempting to give your time share back to the company with a "deed in lieu," but said that it probably won't work. You are right. It did not work. However, I found a broker who was willing to take the time share off my hands for $3,000. Is this the only other way to rid oneself of this burden? By paying money to give something away?
Get ready for a 1% gain in resale housing prices
Manteca median prices should be up by 1 percent in value by summer's end.
Outdoor summer fun
The warmer months provide numerous opportunities for hosting outdoor events: birthday parties, barbecues, backyard campouts, weddings or a gathering for watching fireworks on the Fourth of July - the list is endless. Even when just hosting a fun neighborhood picnic or ice cream social, it's important to get the outdoor living space looking its best for the big day.
File civil lawsuit for property damage?
DEAR BENNY: While we were out of town, my neighbor and a well installer destroyed 400 square feet of my lawn, leaving us with ruts, dirt piles and dead sod. In addition, they buried 40 linear feet of water pipe and electrical cable on our land without our permission. I have a recent land survey to validate our claims.
Tips to save on home energy costs
Summer's sizzling temperatures can make it difficult to keep your home comfortable, and even more difficult to keep up with the higher utility bills that often come with it. Yet even a few well-chosen improvements can make a big difference in home comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some ways to save on energy costs this season.
Easy improvements equal dramatic facelift
Home improvement projects don't need to be difficult, and with the right tools and attitude, they can be exciting as you watch your house transform. Summer is the perfect time to look at your home to-do list and get going. Here are some easy ideas you can get started on today.
Articles by Section - HOME SCENE
LOOK IN LATHROP
Homes that qualify for FHA mortgages are in high demand.
Revive the charm of mid- century modern design
Mid-century modern inspiration draws from the 1940s through the 1960s, a twenty-year span when design was sleek, elegant and functional. Although the style originated more than 70 years ago, this trend has resurfaced with a fresh revival.
Lawn mower accessories help you get landscaping jobs done
Efficiency is the name of the game these days. At the office it comes into play in processing work quickly and at a lower cost. At home, efficiency means being able to get the household and landscaping chores done so you can spend time with the family.
To stack TVs & fireplaces? That is the great debate
When choosing a focal point for a room, designers and homeowners alike often plan for a single feature - windows, TVs, artwork, or fireplaces - to take center stage. However, the explosion of flat screen TVs for every room in the home has created a debate - can you really have more than one focal point?
Laying a good foundation for improvement success
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 to give in to your excitement and get the project moving forward, but take a moment to plan your overall strategy. You'll find that, much like your future castle, your renovation project will benefit from a solid foundation.
Average 30-year mortgage rate at 4.13%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. long-term mortgage rates were stable to slightly higher this week, remaining near their lows for the year.
5 HOME SELLING TIPS
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The rebound in U.S. home values over the past couple of years has placed many homeowners in a better position to sell their home for a profit.
Home sales increase 2.6 percent in June
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of previously owned homes rose for a third straight month in June, pushing activity to the highest level in eight months and providing evidence that housing is regaining lost momentum.
How bad would it be without Prop. 13?
Ah, the good old days before Proposition 13.
GOING TO THE DOGS
LOS ANGELES (AP) - These homes are set apart by their amenities - for dogs.
Mowers, chain saws & high- ethanol gas: safety tips
Whether you're beautifying your landscape with a lawn mower and hedge trimmer or using a chain saw to clear space for that deck you've always dreamed of, it's important to take proper care when using outdoor power equipment. Safety measures help protect both the equipment and the people using it.
Energy-efficient home upgrades that can also save you money
It's the perfect time to think green.
Chic chalet: Give your kitchen a stunning mountain makeover
Your kitchen doesn't need a Matterhorn vista to stay on top of the latest "chalet chic" design trend. It's easier than you think to get this style by mixing rustic pieces with modern touches.
Tricks to instantly refresh your home design for entertaining
Summer is the ideal time to host events at home with family and friends. But is your home ready for summer soirees? The kitchen is the heart of the home and where people naturally congregate, so it's important it showcases your signature style and reflects the relaxed feeling of the summer season.
Downside of low rates? Owners reluctant to sell
WASHINGTON (AP) - Would-be home sellers across the country are grappling with a once-in-a-lifetime problem: They have mortgage rates so absurdly low it would hurt them financially to sell.
Sections:
- NEWS |
- SPORTS |
- BUSINESS |
- OBITS |
- OPINION |
- HOME SCENE |
- LIVING IN 209 |
- MULTIMEDIA |
- FEATURED EDITIONS |
- MOVIES |
- REGIONAL NEWS |
- INFO
Services:
Submit News:
Online:
Contents of this site are © 2014 Manteca Bulletin - All Rights Reserved Privacy policy and Terms of service | Contact Us
