Archive By Section - HOME SCENE
Reclaim your garage in a weekend
Is your garage dingy, cluttered and in need of a facelift? Transforming it into a "showroom" for your car, reclaiming it for a workshop, playroom or man cave isn't difficult. All it takes is a weekend and a little elbow grease.
Impress guests with holiday etiquette 101
You've spent the entire day in the kitchen cooking the perfect holiday meal. But it's an hour before your guests arrive and you find yourself standing in front of the table listening to that little nagging voice inside your head.
Secure your home against the chilly season
With winter approaching, the leaves drop to the ground and the temperature begins to plummet, but your heating bills move in the opposite direction - 'tis the season of high heating costs. According to early reports, heat and oil prices will continue to rise, which can cut a large chunk out of your home heating budget this winter, if you're not careful.
Holidays with easy tips for around the house
'Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If you're hosting a party or get together with family or friends, get your home party-ready in no time with these simple tips that will be a breeze to tackle.
Entertaining at home
When the weekend arrives, going out to a local establishment to meet up with your friends to relax and enjoy your time off is a time-honored tradition. But going out involves a lot of planning and coordination - not to mention the money you'll inevitably drop on food, bar tabs and transportation. The good news is with the right modifications to your home, you can make a night in seem just like a night on the town.
File lien against condo owner?
DEAR BENNY: My wife and I currently own a vacation condo in a small development on a lake in Wisconsin. There are approximately 32 units in the condo complex, of which 20 are occupied and the rest are still owned by the developer. The developer still controls the homeowners association.
Simple ways to personalize your holiday decor
What do the holidays mean to you? It's a special time of year for many people, and many of us share similar tastes and traditions when it comes to how we decorate and celebrate. But if you're craving something different this year, personalizing your holiday decor can be a great way to put a fresh face on the season.
Composting, crafts & cuisine
The cooler temperatures and changing colors of fall draw many people outdoors to explore what nature has to offer. The summer harvest has made room for many cold weather crops for those in the north, and tomatoes are just beginning to blossom for those in the southwest. Regardless of where you live, the fall garden still offers a lot to be used and discovered.
How to make the most of your remodel
With home prices and interest rates still low across the country, and inventories high, it's a great time to be in the market for a fixer-upper. By buying a house that needs some work, you can achieve your dream home for less than you would probably pay for a move-in-ready abode.
Sellers lower their expectations to match the reality
If you look at Manteca's housing resale housing market, it is about as close to flat-line as you can get.
Selling your home out of season?
In a perfect world, no one would ever have to face the challenge of trying to sell a house when there's dormant grass and the trees are bare. In reality, people have to sell and buy homes throughout the year.
A warning about unpaid real estate taxes
DEAR BENNY: Subsequent to the purchase/settlement of my condo, I began receiving claims of delinquent real estate taxes that the seller had neglected to pay from a previous year, prior to my purchase of the property. I notified my settlement agent, who asked that the seller look into the matter, and I have emailed the seller to see what he had done about it.
Creating a dream bedroom for your child
Just about every child wishes for a dream bedroom, but it takes inspiration to transform four white walls into a fairytale princess room or tree house hideaway. Fortunately, you don't have to be an interior designer or skilled craftsman to become a hero. A little family compromising, combined with some simple painting techniques, can go a long way in creating a fun, personalized design that kids love - and parents can live with over time.
Fall/winter home decorating tips
Are you over orange as an autumn decorating accent? Bored with relying on balsam and fir touches to evoke a holiday spirit in your home? If cooler weather and the coming holidays have you looking for new decorating ideas, here are some trends that will be heating up interior design this year:
No-interest loan comes with tax bite
DEAR BENNY: My wife and I want to give our two grown children an interest-free loan for $360,000. They currently have a 15-year fixed 5 percent loan for this amount for a second home they both enjoy. With our given money they can immediately pay off the bank loan and pay us back $4,587 per month for approximately 6.5 years. The $4,587 is their current monthly payment. Staying with the bank loan, they would fully ...
Articles by Section - HOME SCENE
5 lawn care tips & projects to complete before winter
With the autumn season in full swing, there's no better time to watch leaves change colors, enjoy a hayride with family and friends, and indulge in a cup of hot apple cider. But, did you know it's also the perfect time to prepare your backyard for winter?
What to do with dad’s house with $330K mortgage
Q: My dad is in his 70's still working. Mom died a couple years ago and he's left with a mortgage (remaining balance of $330K on a single-home) on top of house maintenance, monthly costs and unpaid debts. Lately, dad expressed concern that he is getting old and worried how he can pay for the house. He is opposed to selling the house because of life memories. Stated the idea of us (family of 3, ...
Signed contracts to buy homes plunges in Sept.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy existing homes fell in September to the lowest level in nine months. The decline reflects higher mortgage rates and home prices that have made purchases more costly.
Mortgage rates at lowest level in four months
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell for the second straight week and are at their lowest levels in four months.
Tips to capture mood, season’s splendor
As decorations are hung this holiday season in preparation for entertaining family and friends, consider creating ambiance using lighting in the main social rooms of the home, including the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Beyond the trimmings, presents and other jolly adornments, it is essential to have the proper lighting to enhance the glow of the holidays and adjust the mood of a room.
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