Archive By Section - HOME SCENE
Create a beautiful – & functional – outdoor room
As the weather warms and the days grow longer, who doesn't happily anticipate opening windows and doors to let the fresh air in? And once we think about bringing the outdoors in, our imagination naturally goes the other way, as well - bringing the indoors out. It seems that our love affair with backyard entertaining heats up around this time every year. Whether it's a quiet family meal under the stars or a backyard barbecue for dozens, the appeal of outdoor living is undeniable.
Go for the gold: Master suite remodeling tips
If kitchen and bathroom remodels are the gold and silver medalists in the Olympics of home renovation, then a master suite remodel is a very respectable bronze. But while the superstars of the renovation world may reap more in terms of resale value, a master suite remodel can be more rewarding for your soul.
VA loans good deal for vets
Last week's Memorial Day holiday served as a reminder of all who have served our country - and continue to do so even as we celebrate the start of summer. Our country has always recognized that we owe a special debt of gratitude toward our veterans.
‘Under priced’ homes in Manteca aren’t what they seem to be
A smattering of homes in the past month have sold for $10,000 or more above the asking price.
The right flooring for your home
Selecting the perfect flooring for any room in your home isn't easy. Chances are a visit to your local flooring retailer might leave you wandering through a sea of samples, evaluating them for different materials, designs and overall durability and function. How do you choose from all of the options to find the right flooring that not only will provide comfort and durability but also complement your home's style - all within your budget?
Faucets provide finishing touches that fit tastes & lifestyle
Starting any home project can be stressful, especially when undertaking those projects in the most-used rooms of the house, like the kitchen and bathroom. From overall room style to structural changes and fixtures, many pieces of the puzzle need to fit together to create the finished product.
Ready to renovate? How to check out a contractor before you hire
Warm weather is here and it's time to start thinking about those home renovation and home improvement projects you put on hold until the weather - or the economy - got better. While many indicators point toward a better economy, many contractors are still feeling the pinch, and are competing fiercely to win business.
It is turning into a gentle rolling market
The Manteca housing market appears to be stabilizing in terms of bottom prices.
Manteca Builder offers help for credit-challenged home buyers
With many hopeful homebuyers trying to purchase new homes while the buying conditions are ideal, K. Hovnanian Homes is offering a free credit enhancement program for customers with challenging credit histories. The program, available through the builder's lender, K. Hovnanian American Mortgage, assists customers who have a history of bankruptcy, delinquencies, foreclosure, short sale or other credit issues and want to become responsible homeowners.
Easy gardening in any space
Gardening is rapidly becoming a popular hobby for many Americans, even with an increase in the number of people living in apartments and condos. Getting your hands dirty may seem challenging when faced with a small space, but all the space necessary to have a successful garden is a window, ledge, patio or balcony.
Tips on how to renew a room on a budget
No matter the size or style of your home, the decor you choose determines its atmosphere and reflects your own personality. Updating or changing your decor can give you a sense of pride and satisfaction when completed. But redesigning your living space can also be slightly overwhelming. You may think you don't have the time or funds to redecorate, but there are several ways to rejuvenate your interior without spending a great deal of time or money.
GET READY FOR SUMMER
Summer often means enjoying the outdoors with friends and family for a weekend barbecue or catching some sun by the pool. Now that pleasant weather is upon us, homeowners may be thinking about what can be done to spruce up outdoor space to use for entertaining or for a little relaxation.
Create a relaxing outdoor living space
Cool drinks. Barbecues. Relaxing. They're all the makings of the perfect summer evening when enjoying time with family and friends. It's the season when everyone is looking for ways to spend time outside - and with a little ingenuity, a bit of a green thumb and a knack for do-it-yourself projects, the backyard can easily become an outdoor oasis. Here are some summer project tips:
Avoiding injury and discomfort
Warm weather is here and it's time to get the garden going. Gardening is good for you on many levels - from the mental health boost you get from doing something relaxing to the physical benefits of exercise, time outdoors and adding fresh vegetables to your diet. Bending over to weed, gripping gardening tools and the general physical effort of gardening, however, can make existing aches and pains worse, or even cause new ones.
When it’s time for your new deck, details count
Backyard decks beckon this time of year. They are the perfect place for spending lazy summer days or for entertaining on blissful summer nights.
Articles by Section - HOME SCENE
Design inspiration at your fingertips
More than 40 percent of homeowners plan to update their homes in the next two years, according to the latest Houzz & Home Study. Of those who plan to remodel, 78 percent cite their motivation as improving the look and feel of the space.
Increasing your resale value is easy
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?
Average 30-year mortgage rate falls
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages declined this week, hovering near historically low levels.
DITCH COOKIE CUTTER
Want a newer home with space but don't want the repetitious cookie cutter look of most subdivisions built since the 1960s?
Grand opening set today for Waterpointe
Today's (Saturday, June 21) the grand opening of Van Daele Homes newest community, Waterpointe at River Islands in Lathrop.
Raymus Homes conducting family photograph contest through July 3
Ready to show off your adorable family? Raymus Homes is holding their first ever family photo contest.
Average 30-year mortgage rate at 4.17%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages eased slightly this week, remaining near historic lows.
ACCIDENTAL INVESTORS
The Accidental Investors and Prudent Buyers from the Great Recession are having a field day.
Average 30-year mortgage rate up to 4.20 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages rose this week for a second straight week but remained near historic lows.
Four real estate tips for buyers, sellers
The real estate market heats up when the weather does, and spring and summer are traditionally the most active seasons for home sales. This year, industry experts predict that home prices will continue to rise and, with mortgage rates remaining low, the spring and summer real estate season will be competitive for both buyers and sellers.
Got extra pounds? Blame next door foreclosure
Gain a couple of pounds since 2006?
$100K+ HELOC LOANS
Despite record-low interest rates, monthly mortgage payments may double for more than 1 million American homeowners. That's because a decade ago they opted for "interest-only" loans or home equity lines of credit. But most of those loans were structured to reset after 10 years - at which time the loan would require payment of both principal and interest.
A sure-footed way to choose new flooring
When spring-cleaning uncovers a worn floor it may be time to consider purchasing a new one, especially if you're selling your home in the near future. A new floor, like refreshed paint and updated fixtures, makes a home more enjoyable to live in as well as more marketable.
Perk up your home with bright & bold patterns
Give your home an energy shot this spring with bright colors and bold patterns.
Create inviting outdoor spaces for entertaining
From barbecues and games of bocce to parties and candlelit dinners, your outdoor space can be a hub for entertaining friends and family.
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