(ARA) - Selling, buying or just putting a house on the market may raise many questions. Can I get a good price? Are there any problems I should fix prior to listing my house? If I buy this house, will I encounter problems that may make me regret my decision?

The sale price of a house depends on many factors, including the market, location, size of the property, age of the house, condition of the structure, what appliances might be included in the sale and even how nicely the property and building were landscaped and decorated - just to name a few.

Having a qualified professional inspect your house prior to putting it on the market - or for prospective buyers, before closing on a sale - can help guide your decision. But many homeowners and prospective buyers are unsure what's included in a standard home inspection, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). A qualified home inspector will review these aspects of a property:

* Roof, attic and visible insulation
* Foundation, basement and structural components
* Walls, ceilings and floors
* Heating and central air conditioning systems
* Windows and doors
* Water fixtures and faucets
* Decks

Nearly two out of three homeowners recently surveyed by ASHI reported they saved a lot of money as a result of having a home inspection during the selling/buying of a house. Sellers use inspections to help determine potential problems that can be repaired or replaced prior to listing - potentially getting them a higher sale price. And buyers use the inspections to determine if they want to invest in the property, or help negotiate for a better price that would include the repair and replacement of potential problems.

Not all home inspectors are certified and licensed. ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided.

"It's important for homeowners to do their homework before hiring an inspector," says Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. "Look for a home inspector certified through the ASHI Certified Inspector Program, which is the only home inspection association program approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies."

The following elements are not included in a standard home inspection:
* Septic system
* Electrical wiring and plumbing that is not readily accessible (for example, behind drywall or plaster)
* Water conditioning or softening system
* Swimming pool
* Backyard fences
* Lawn irrigation system
* Household appliances
* Compliance with local codes
* Appraisal to determine market value

Before hiring a home inspector, inquire about what is covered in the inspection and ask to see a sample report. Although some inspectors provide ancillary services, it may be necessary to consult a specialist for concerns that extend beyond a standard inspection. Often your inspector will help you make this determination.

Hiring a certified home inspector and having questions answered before putting your house up for sale - or before finalizing a purchase price - can not only help save money, but also allow you to go through the process with more peace of mind.

(ARA) - Of course you love your pets, but let's face it: Whether you're hosting guests or trying to sell your home, the last thing you want visitors to remember is an odor. Luckily, there are a number of ways to eliminate odors and let your home's personality shine.

Refreshing walls
Paint is one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to give your home's interior a new look, and now it can also give your home a new fresh scent. Dutch Boy's Refresh paint features odor-eliminating technology from Arm & Hammer. It reduces odors caused by pets and other sources, keeping your home smelling as good as it looks. Proven to reduce household smells, a coat of Refresh paint will prevent bad odors from lingering for months. By trapping and neutralizing odor molecules, this paint doesn't cover up unappealing smells, but actually reduces them. And Refresh paint is available in Dutch Boy's broad range of colors, so you can reduce unpleasant smells without compromising your decorating taste.

Clean with steam
Even if your pet isn't allowed on the furniture, your home furnishing fabrics are holding onto unpleasant scents. Though you may vacuum regularly, animal hair and dander are trapped in the fibers of your cushions, curtains, sofa and other decor. Using a steam cleaner is the best way to eliminate bad smells in upholstered furniture and other items that cannot be laundered. Hire a professional service to treat the common areas in your home, or purchase a steam cleaner specifically designed for pet hair removal. Deep-clean common area fabrics several times each year, and to help maintain a fresh smell day to day, use an odor-neutralizing fabric spray regularly.

Hit the floor
The biggest source of your home's objectionable smell could be right under your feet. As anyone who has house-trained a pet knows, they don't always get it right, and sometimes those accidents go unnoticed and cause stains to inevitably set in. To remove odors of any age, scrub bare floors with white vinegar and water or an odor-neutralizing cleaner, and thoroughly wash carpets and rugs using an odor-neutralizing shampoo. You can also hire a professional to clean the carpets and provide extra deodorizing treatments. If stains or smells remain, you'll likely need to replace the carpet and padding. If this is the case, be sure to scrub the floor beneath before laying new carpet down. After the carpet has been thoroughly cleaned or replaced, regularly use carpet deodorizer formulated for pet odors when vacuuming.

Scented accessories
Tie a ribbon on your odor-free home with strategically placed candles and air fresheners. Choose classic scents that complement your decor, and use a variety throughout the home to avoid an overpowering result. Many candles and fresheners offer odor-neutralizing technology as well as pleasant scents, ensuring unfavorable smells are not only covered up but eliminated. Jars of potpourri or scented crystals add touches of personality to any room decor as well.

No matter what types or the number of pets that share your home, these tips will help keep it smelling fresh all year round.

(ARA) - With sales of new and existing homes remaining slow nationwide, many homeowners are looking for ways to add value now. Installing stylish interior doors and replacing old exterior trim are two great ways to make your home look even better today and sell it for more later.

New doors add style
Doors can offer so much more than entry into a room. Because they are made in various panel designs and can be easily painted or stained, interior doors have become a key part of a home's overall decor.

"Many homes have plain flush doors that look rather boring," says Bob Merrill, president and CEO for Chicago-based CMI, which makes CraftMaster Interior Doors. "One of the easiest ways to dramatically change the look inside your home is by replacing your current doors with raised- or flat-panel molded doors. New doors add fresh style, character and personality."

Molded interior doors are made to resist swelling, shrinking, cracking and splitting. "CraftMaster also makes eco-friendly green doors that contain sustainable materials, recycled content, low VOC primers and have low formaldehyde emissions," Merrill adds.

Typically, a home has around 17 interior doors, including passage and bifold (closet) doors. In many homes, those doors have a hollow core. Replacing standard, hollow core doors with solid core doors to add weight and reduce noise is a popular DIY project.

Installing new doors requires a few basic carpentry tools. Many homeowners purchase pre-hung doors. You also can choose to keep the existing frame and simply replace the doors, called slabs. In this case, you should heed a few installation tips:
* Ensure the slab door is squarely in the frame, then lock it in position with a cross brace.
* Use wood shims between the jambs and the studs, as necessary, to ensure a plumb, square and proper fit.
* Keep the frame flush with proper positioning of the cross brace.
* Add trim by cutting, gluing and nailing it in place after the slab door has been installed.

Exterior trim that wows
When it comes to your home, first impressions are everything. Nothing makes a worse initial impression than exterior trim that is cracked, rotted, peeling or falling apart.

Walk around your house and inspect the exterior trim on the corners, around your windows and doors and up near the roofline. Do you see peeling paint, warped boards, or any splitting or cracking? Is there any damage from water or termites? If so, now is the best time to replace your trim.

Traditional wood trim often looks fine when first installed, but it can split and swell, and is prone to knots and defects. Other materials, like PVC and fiber cement trim have performance limitations and may pose installation challenges.

"The exterior trim market has changed a lot over the last 10 years. New engineered products last longer and provide resistance to moisture, rot, termites and temperature extremes not found in other materials," Merrill says.

With a clear cedar, wood grain texture on one side and a contemporary smooth finish on the other, MiraTEC engineered trim is ideal for any home style. It is most often used for roofline fascia, soffits, window and door trim, corner trim, dentil, gables, column wraps, trim along porches and similar architectural components.

Installing new interior doors or replacing your exterior trim are great ways to give your home a new look and increase its value. To learn more about updating your home from the inside and out, visit www.craftmasterdoors.com or www.miratectrim.com.

(ARA) - Are you keeping your home longer than you expected, due to the sluggish and uncertain home-resale market? If you are, you've got company. Only 43 percent of homeowners believe they would get their asking price if they sold today, according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker.

That lack of confidence, coupled with interest rates on personal savings accounts that are at or near record lows, has a lot of homeowners investing in their homes instead of depositing money in their banks.

In fact, nearly two-thirds of homeowners will be remodeling in 2011, says American Express. Improving your home can be a smart strategy over the long run. In the meantime, it can make your home more comfortable and convenient while you're living there.

Now is the time to ask yourself if putting your hard-earned savings into your house is right for you. You won't see the return on your investment in the near-term, but when you factor in a quicker sale or higher sale price, you could end up with more profit than savings account interest rates can provide.

Improvements that pay

Experts recommend that you stick to improvements likely to increase your home's resale appeal and value. There's no such thing as a guaranteed return on investment, but some home improvements have a better value track record than others. A basement remodel will recoup 70 percent of its cost at resale, according to the 2010-2011 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report. Adding a bathroom returns more than 53 percent of your investment, while modernizing a kitchen can bring back 72.8 percent.

* Build a bath: If you plan to install a bathroom, laundry or wet bar in an area that lacks below-floor plumbing drainage, you can dramatically reduce your installation costs with macerating technology. Installing drainage in a basement, attic or garage can be messy, time-consuming and expensive. But with macerating, or up-flush, technology, you can have plumbing virtually anywhere in your home, without breaking through floors or jackhammering concrete.

Unlike conventional gravity plumbing, up-flush systems pump waste and water from toilets, showers, sinks, wet bars and washing machines upward. Small-diameter piping carries the waste into the sewer or septic tank. For more information on this cost-effective plumbing option, visit www.saniflo.com.

Want to make your new bath seem larger? Let the light in! If a skylight isn't in the budget, use recessed ceiling lights and large mirrors. Also, choose a warm semi-gloss paint and install 12-inch by 12-inch or larger floor tiles to minimize grout lines.

A walk-in shower is a smart and cost-effective space-saver. If you don't need storage space, a pedestal sink is another good alternative. Two surefire ways to give the illusion of space are a recessed medicine cabinet and a pocket door instead of a traditional hinged door.

* Rebuild a kitchen: An average rebuild of a kitchen takes nine months to plan and three months to build, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. You can improve the overall look and feel of a kitchen with a lot less work and money simply by refurbishing what you have. Some refurbishing options include refaced cabinets instead of new, resurfaced countertops or an added backsplash, updated flooring and under-cabinet task lighting.

Regardless of the project you plan to undertake, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most for your money. Here are some general tips from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI):

* Establish a budget:
* Hire a qualified remodeler who is familiar with local building codes.
* Compare products and prices before you begin.
* Work with a contract.

(ARA) - When adults decide to move, it's often to pursue an exciting opportunity or discover a new place. But for children, moving can be much harder to understand, as often they've only known one place as home.

As you travel through adulthood, the unknown becomes more alluring, but it's because you've been through major life changes before. That's why it's important to take some steps to make this major transition easier on your kids. Here are some tips from the moving experts at Penske truck rental for helping your children adapt to a new place, along with some practical moving advice for families:

* Open a line of honest communication. It can be hard to tell your kids that they'll be moving, but making sure that they know they can talk about how they're feeling about the move is important. Try to keep the conversation positive by telling them about all the fun things they'll be able to do in their new home, but acknowledge that they'll feel some sadness about leaving their old one.

* Help them say goodbye. Organize a going-away party for your children and their friends, and work with the parents of their friends to gather contact information so they can keep in touch after you move.

* Take inventory. Take a minute with each child to go through toys and clothes to see what can be donated. By letting them help with these decisions, you can eliminate any angst that might come if they realize something they wanted was left behind when you get to your new home.

* Pack a first-day box. Have each child pack a box of things that they will want the first day you move into your new home, like favorite toys, books or stuffed animals. Have the movers pack these boxes last so they are the first thing that is unloaded when you arrive. If you are moving a long distance, have each child pack another bag with items to keep them entertained during the trip.

* Form a moving team. Creating roles for your older children so they can help you move can make your move go quickly and smoothly. If possible, arrange for somebody to watch your younger children so you can focus on moving tasks. Hiring movers can also help take some of the pressure off you so you can tend to your children. Your younger children may also be thrilled by the chance to see the moving truck up close, so take the time to show them.

* Help them feel at home. Showing your children new parks and other attractions in your new community will help them feel excited about their new home. Plan ahead to get them enrolled in activities with other children so they can quickly make new friends. However, be sure to explain to them that making new friends takes time, so they aren't discouraged if it doesn't happen for them right away. Communicate with their teachers to see if there's anything special you can do to help your children feel more comfortable at school.

By doing the little things to help your children cope with the tough parts of moving, you'll put them in a position to acclimate themselves to their new home quickly and easily. For more helpful moving tips, visit www.pensketruckrental.com.

Few adventures are as fun and exhilarating as looking for and buying a new house. But if you already own a home that you need to sell, that fun and exhilaration can quickly turn to headaches and panic if you can't sell as fast as you'd like to. The old real estate agent slogan of "location, location, location" may not apply if your house isn't ready to sell.

You can do a lot to put your house in a more sellable condition. The question, however, is how much value will some of those last-minute home improvement projects bring in the long run?

Staging a house simply means getting it ready to sell, and it's likely that your real estate agent has an expert in the field that he or she works with. And even though it may not take major home repair and remodeling to get your house ready, a few key projects can go a long way to getting your house sold.

1. Clean and de-clutter - It can be emotionally difficult to sell your house, especially if you have a lot of memories of special milestones. But taking steps like minimizing the furniture in certain rooms to make them look more spacious, and taking down personal touches like family portraits or religious items, may make it easier for prospective buyers to imagine themselves in your house.

2. A fresh coat of paint - Painting is one of the most inexpensive home improvement projects you can take on. New paint can help lighten almost any room, and is terrific in covering scuffs or marks that build up over time.

3. Maximize curb appeal - Depending on where you live and what time of year you're looking to sell, spend some time on the outside of the house to make sure it looks good. Simple items like making sure the lawn is mowed, and bushes and trees trimmed, can make a big difference. If you're selling in the winter, make sure the driveway is clear of ice and snow.

4. Spend wisely - Make sure you don't make big fixes that won't pay you back in the sale of the house. Experts feel you're more likely to recoup the cost of paint or deep cleaning the house then you are a new roof, air conditioning or heating system.

The vast majority of home-shoppers decide on whether they want to view your house in-person depending on the pictures they see online, according to homestagingresource.com, which means simple home repairs and a tidy, de-cluttered house can make the difference in your home selling quickly or not.

(ARA) - Buying a home is more than numbers, dollars and cents. The pride of owning your own home is an incredible feeling, providing a place for you and your family to come together and build memories.

For many, getting through the process of buying a home can be daunting, if not downright frightening. Talk to anyone considering buying a home for the first time, and many will say the same thing: "There's so much information - I don't know where to start or where to turn for answers. It's overwhelming."

With all the potential pitfalls out there, it's key to arm yourself with the right tools to help you navigate the intricacies of the home buying process. Getting the right information and help along the way will make this milestone purchase easier and hassle-free.

Knowledge is power

While partnering with a real estate agent and knowledgeable mortgage lender will go a long way towards home buying success, empowering yourself is also important. You are not alone, but you're also your own best advocate.

Learn about the neighborhoods where you might want to live, and think about your day-to-day lifestyle when deciding what area - and type of home - is right for you. Take a home buyer education course - they're often free and will help prepare you for the home buying process. The U.S. Department of Housing (www.hud.gov), NeighborWorks America (www.nw.org), and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org) are all great resources for further education on buying a home. Or you can check with your bank - some, like TD Bank, offer sites that provide one-stop shop info on buying your first home.

Real-ing and dealing

Partnering with a real estate agent can help make the process of buying your first home more efficient and hassle-free. A real estate professional will help you assess your needs and wants in a home, and then utilize that information to narrow the field of available homes in your price range to a manageable pool. Well-versed in the local area, a real estate professional can help ensure you're getting a better price, will negotiate on your behalf, and can protect your rights as a homebuyer. Your agent also may be able to make mortgage lender recommendations.

Find a financial partner, not just mortgage rates

Like buying a home, choosing a mortgage provider is about more than terms and rates - it's about finding a company that has the knowledge to help you succeed.

"Find a lender who is also your financial partner," says Mike Copley, executive vice president, retail lending at TD Bank. "Your mortgage advisor should work with you to find the borrowing solution that's right for you, and make the experience as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. Your lender's commitment to you shouldn't end with the closing of your loan."

Some things to consider when selecting a mortgage lender: Will I be supported from application to closing - and beyond? Are there application fees? How quickly will I have a decision on my application? What type of mortgage should I choose? Does my mortgage provider service their own loans, or can they be sold to another institution later? Does my mortgage provider have a strong customer service focus, so I can ensure my needs are being met? The answers to these questions will help you forge the right partnership with the right mortgage lender.

There's nothing to fear about buying your first home if you're an educated consumer who finds the right real estate and mortgage team to help you make your dreams come true. So get out there and find your dream home!

(ARA) - Selling your house may be a challenge in today's real estate market, but with a bit of elbow grease and some good planning tips, you can entice potential buyers to view your home, and hopefully make a viable offer.

Before you even list your house for sale, take a good look at the property and your home. Consider curb appeal. Freshen up your landscaping, pick up any equipment or toys lying around and update your lights so the home looks as welcoming during the evening as it does during the day.

Take a walk through your house, starting with the garage. If you have a lot of tools and equipment stored there, consider finding a new place to store everything, so potential buyers can really see the garage. Keep your tools handy, but still out of sight by tucking everything into the back of your truck under an Access Roll-Up cover, manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company. Made of heavy-duty, double coated vinyl, the truck bed cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck. Since the roll-up cover is lockable, it will also protect all your tools and equipment while traveling. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed.

Next move inside. As you walk through the rooms, look at the walls, flooring, ceilings, lights and furniture. Paint is inexpensive, and a fresh coat can quickly spruce up the look of a room. If the room appears overcrowded, consider storing a piece of furniture to help open up the space.

You may determine some remodeling or repair work is needed prior to listing your home. If you have holes in your drywall, or gutters that are clogged or broken, these are easy improvements that won't cost you a lot of money, but can help you sell your house faster. Transporting tall ladders to reach the gutters or large sheets of drywall isn't easy with just your pickup truck. But the Adarac Truck Bed Rack System will make this part of your home improvement project much easier. The truck bed rack sits neatly behind the cab, and is capable of carrying a 500-pound load with ease. Eyelets secure your load so you don't lose it while going down the road.

Once you have your home looking good, do a little research to determine what list price you want to put on your home. Review prices for similar homes in your neighborhood and around your community. Pay to have your property assessed, especially if you do a couple of home improvement projects prior to the sale. And determine if you'd prefer to work with a real estate agent or try and sell the property yourself. There are benefits to both options, so research which might fit you better.

Your goal is to get your house sold, as quickly as possible and close to the price you're asking. The best way to accomplish this is to get as many people looking at your property as you can. So before you decide to list your house, try some of these tips to put your best house forward.

(ARA) - Whether your annual earnings range well into six figures or are on the more modest end of national salary averages, you know you'll probably need credit to buy a home. While you likely know how important credit is to your home-buying plans, you may not be aware of the truth behind some common credit myths.

Myth: If your bills are paid and you've never defaulted on a loan, mortgage or credit card bill, you don't need to worry about your credit report or credit score.

Truth: Many factors influence your credit score, and payment history is just one of them. When calculating your score, credit bureaus also consider length of credit history, types of credit used and ratio of credit available to credit used. Even if your payment history is good, scoring lower on one of the other factors could lower your overall credit score.

Myth: As long as you know your credit score, you don't need to look at your credit report before applying for a mortgage.

Truth: A lender will certainly look at your credit report, so you should know what's on it before they do. Errors may occur on a credit report, and if there are any negative marks on your credit history you'll want to know about them - and address them - before a lender asks.

Myth: Checking your credit score is a hassle, and it can't really help you manage your credit in the long run.

Truth: Websites like FreeCreditScore.com make it easy to check your credit score. Keep in mind that lenders use a variety of scores when evaluating credit worthiness, and the one you obtain online will vary from what a lender might see. Still, any score can be a valuable educational tool that helps you better understand how lenders view your credit. FreeCreditScore.com's Credit Score Center can help you understand how your score is calculated, which factors impact it and the best time to apply for credit.

Myth: If your credit is not perfect, you won't be able to get a mortgage.

Truth: Lenders are more strict than they've been in the past and a good credit score and report can certainly make you a more appealing prospect to them. However, a score in the lower range doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage at all. But a higher score is likely to net you more options - and better terms.

Myth: When you apply for a mortgage, the lender could share your personal information (including your credit score and history) with other companies.

Truth: The law limits how banks and other financial institutions can use your information and to whom they can disclose it. If you're not sure how a lender may use your information, ask. Depending on the situation, you may be able to limit disclosure of your information.

Home prices and interest rates are still low across the country, making it a good time to buy a house, real estate experts say. Knowing the truth behind some common credit myths - and understanding your own credit history and score - can help you take advantage of the many opportunities still available for home buyers.

(ARA) - Some misconceptions are merely inconvenient. And some - like the many myths that surround the use of fire sprinklers in homes - can be deadly.

The federal government and more than 400 local governments - not to mention the national model building code authority, the International Code Council - have all recommended that all new homes offer this life safety system. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find a business that is not protected by fire sprinklers. Yet misconceptions persist about the cost, convenience and effectiveness of home fire sprinklers, where 80 percent of all fire deaths occur.

"As a volunteer firefighter, I regularly see the devastation to families and their property due to home fires," says Eric Skare of Lakeville, Minn. Skare, who works for fire-safety systems maker Uponor, is a fire safety expert. "Many of these people live right in my own community, and their losses are seared in my memory."

Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, it's important to know the truth behind some common fire sprinkler myths:

Myth: Installing home fire sprinklers is too expensive.

Reality: On average, installing a stand-alone fire sprinkler system - the kind that runs off a separate, dedicated system of water pipes - in a new construction home adds just 1 to 1.5 percent to the total building cost, according to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

That expense drops even lower when adding a multipurpose system, which combines the cold-water plumbing and the fire sprinklers into a single, efficient system. Installation costs for a multipurpose system, like those made by Uponor, averages 57 cents less per square foot than traditional stand-alone systems - a savings of $1,368 for a 2,400-square-foot home, according to the Fire Protection Research Foundation. What's more, the foundation reports, home insurers give an average premium discount of 7 percent to homes with fire sprinkler systems.

Myth: Smoke alarms alone are enough protection against fires.

Reality: Smoke alarms can alert you to the presence of smoke, but do nothing to put out a fire. Home fire sprinkler systems act quickly to reduce heat, flames and smoke from a fire, giving you valuable time to get out safely. "Sprinklers put out most home fires in seconds, before the fire department arrives and before there's major damage," says Jayson Drake of Uponor North America.

Functioning smoke alarms reduce by 50 percent the risk of someone dying in a home fire. That risk decreases by 80 percent when sprinklers are present, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Myth: Fire sprinklers can cause excessive water damage to your home and belongings.

Reality: Fire sprinklers actually minimize damage. Fires cause more than $8.5 billion in direct property damage every year, according to the NFPA. Fire hoses discharge up to 250 gallons of water per minute into a burning home, causing significant damage as firefighters work to control and extinguish the fire. Sprinklers, use just 15 gallons of water per minute. Fire damage is far less in homes with sprinklers; a 15-year study in Scottsdale, Ariz. put the average loss for a sprinklered home at $2,166 compared to $45,019 for a home without sprinklers.

Myth: Home fire sprinkler systems look bad and will ruin the aesthetics of a house.

Reality: New home fire sprinkler systems are very unobtrusive, and can be mounted flush with walls or ceilings, or concealed behind decorative covers.

Myth: Fire sprinklers don't add value to a home and aren't worth the investment.

Reality: Forty-five percent of homeowners prefer a home with fire sprinklers, and nearly three in four think sprinklers increase a home's value, according to research by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. What's more, fire sprinklers can help lower your homeowners' insurance rates; most insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have the systems.

But the greatest value of fire sprinklers is their ability to help save lives and preserve a
family's home. In home fires where no sprinklers are present, families lose their homes and all their possessions, even if they escape unharmed themselves. When sprinklers are present, families survive - and so do their homes and possessions. Sprinklers reduce the average property loss by 71 percent, according to the NFPA.

Criminal experts across the country are baffled as crime rates continue to drop. Shouldn't they increase during a recession? That's what makes the drop unsettling - no one can explain the decline. If you're a homeowner, you may be asking, "Why do I need a security system now?"

According to the FBI, violent crimes such as murder and rape are declining all over the country. So are crimes that often affect homeowners: theft, burglary and robbery. The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program defines them as:

Theft - (3.96 percent decrease from 2008 to 2009). The stealing of any property or article that is not taken by force and violence or by fraud.

Burglary - (1.32 percent decrease from 2008 to 2009). The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft where the use of force to gain entry need not have occurred. The UCR Program has three sub-classifications for burglary: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used and attempted forcible entry.

Robbery - (7.97 percent decrease from 2008 to 2009). The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

There are possible reasons for the drop, but their ambiguity brings uncertainty.

* Some experts believe tougher sentencing has contributed. However, sentencing is discretional, not mandated. Judges vary in their interpretation of appropriate sentences.

* Crime rates are directly correlated to how often they're reported. It's possible that a decrease in reported crimes is contributing to the decrease in crime rates.

* Some experts believe crime rates stem from data-focused police work. Law enforcement agencies may be skewing the data they submit to the FBI to pad their numbers and appear successful during tough economic times. While the FBI's nationwide report is comprised of statistics from various agencies, it has no control over what those agencies report. The FBI even has a disclaimer on its Uniform Crime Report saying the data may be inaccurate.

* Since the reasons seem unclear, it could just be a natural drop in an ever-fluctuating trend. This means that rates could go back up at any time. Don't let your guard down; get protected with a security system from www.securitychoice.com before crime rates climb again.

Despite the drop in crime rates, homeowners shouldn't abandon the thought of adding a home security system.

Divergence is a key concept in the FBI's Uniform Crime Report. Crime statistics are generalized across the entire country. They aren't specific enough to explain what's happening in your community or even your region.

Furthermore, the economic recession is forcing law enforcement agencies to cut budgets left and right. Earlier this year, one New Jersey city's police department cut more than $3 million. And earlier this summer in California, one city council voted to cut 163 law enforcement positions. While crime rates may be down, budget cuts undoubtedly affect the efficiency of law enforcement. Do your own part by installing a home security system.

Security systems do more than help protect you from burglary. They can also help protect you from things like fire, carbon monoxide, medical emergencies and flood. Just because theft, burglary and robbery rates are down doesn't mean other home emergencies can't happen.

Crime rates shouldn't affect what you do to protect your home. The decrease in crime rates is a positive anomaly during a tough time for the United States. However, uncertainty about factors that affect the numbers shouldn't be overlooked.

Numbers are only an indication of the past. It's still important to be proactive instead of reactive. A home security system can help protect your home and family during this period of uncertainty and into the future.

(ARA) - Who would risk the negative impact of defaulting on a mortgage if they didn't really have to? About 17 percent of Americans who defaulted on their mortgages in the second quarter of 2010 did exactly that, according to a study by Experian, the leading global information services company.

"Strategic default" - choosing to stop paying on your mortgage even if you can afford the monthly payments - peaked at the end of 2008 during the height of the Great Recession. At that time, strategic defaults accounted for 20 percent of all mortgage defaults 60 or more days overdue, according to Experian.

And while the percentage of Americans taking this option has steadily declined since then, the credit risks for strategic defaulters remain unchanged.

"Not paying your mortgage will have a far-reaching, long-lasting impact on your ability to secure future credit, regardless of the reason for your default," says Charles Chung, Experian's president of Decision Analytics. "Experian's study indicates that many strategic defaulters continue to faithfully pay on their other debts. Some even purchase other homes for better terms before selectively defaulting on their upside-down mortgage."

If you owe more on your home than its current market value, you may feel tempted to walk away from a bad investment, even if you can afford to make the monthly mortgage payment. But when considering strategic default, you should keep several factors in mind:

* Defaulting on your mortgage is the second most damaging thing you can do to your credit, even if you continue to pay your other bills. Only bankruptcy will affect your credit score more adversely than foreclosure.

* Foreclosure remains on your credit report for seven years. During that time, securing other credit at reasonable terms and rates will be very difficult, if not impossible.

* Potential employers are looking at credit reports. In fact, 60 percent now check applicants' credit reports, according to an article in the Washington Times. By impacting your credit, a strategic default may affect your ability to get a job.

* Last year, Fannie Mae, the government-controlled mortgage giant, said it would implement a policy to prohibit strategic defaulters from getting a new Fannie Mae-backed mortgage for seven years from the date of foreclosure.

* Finally, in some cases, the debt that foreclosure "erases" may be recorded as income, which means you will have to pay taxes on it.

"Some may see strategic default as a way to get out of paying a bad debt," Chung says. "But its associated costs like a lower credit score, higher interest rates and less ability to secure future credits, can wipe out the financial benefit of no longer having a mortgage payment."

To learn more about credit management, credit reports, credit scores and the factors that affect them, visit www.Experian.com.

(ARA) - 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.

The majority of contractors are honest, but you should still be cautious when hiring one. In 2010, the Better Business Bureau received more than 1.2 million inquiries about general contractors, making the industry the third-most researched on the BBB's website. Consumers also lodged 5,005 complaints against general contractors in 2010, the BBB reports.

Before you hire anyone, it's important to check a contractor's business license and the business' financial stability. Here are some steps that can help you ensure you're choosing the right contractor:

Know the facts

Before you hire a contractor, it pays to check the company's credentials, the viability of the company's business and business history because it could directly affect the contractor's ability to get your job done. If the contractor has a history of liens and judgments or credit and collection problems, it could mean signs of trouble. For instance, the contractor may be unable to purchase the materials or hire the help needed to complete your renovation. If the contractor has liens or judgments against him, he might be less reliable in getting your job done.

Online resources like Experian's ContractorCheck.com can give you the inside track on a contractor's credentials. Known for its credit reporting and protection services, Experian also maintains a database of more than 5 million contractors and their businesses' information. ContractorCheck.com allows consumers to view Experian's verified data, which includes critical information such as:

* Company name, address and phone number
* Multiple operating addresses
* Length of time the company has been in business
* License, bonding and insurance information
* Contractor specialties
* History of liens, judgments and bankruptcies
* Credit review that will reveal any past collection or derogatory credit events
* Easy-to-understand contractor rating

Consumers often overlook one of the most valuable contractor screening elements -- public record information such as liens or judgments against the business. An important fact, in 2010, 8.4 percent of the contractors in Experian's database had a lien on file and 6.2 percent had a judgment filed against them.

Know the signs

The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips for recognizing contractors who may be dishonest:

* Contractors who solicit door-to-door, only accept cash or who don't have a phone number that is associated with a valid business should trigger your mental alarm. Likewise, beware of anyone who offers to discount your job because they will use materials left over from a previous job.

* Your contractor should obtain all necessary building permits for your job. Avoid ones who ask you to get permits for them, or find them new customers in exchange for a discount.

* If a contractor offers a quote that seems too good to be true, it probably is. An exceptionally long guarantee or an offer to discount your job if you agree to allow him use it as an example for seeking new business are often warning signs.

* Don't give in to high-pressure pitches. If a contractor wants you to make an immediate decision on hiring them, or to fund your project through their preferred lender, consider taking your business elsewhere.

* Find out what others have to say about the contractor you're considering. You need to do some word-of-mouth contractor research before committing. Ask the contractor for the names and numbers of past clients he has worked with. But keep in mind, even reputable contractors are only going to give you contact information for customers they know were happy with their work, so use these references as one more piece of background information, but don't base your decision on them.

(ARA) - Any meteorologist will tell you that predicting the whims of Mother Nature is an inexact science. Whether it's hurricanes, tornadoes or floods that tend to occur in your neck of the woods, the best you can do is have a plan for when disaster strikes - and that includes reviewing your insurance policy.

Many homeowners are unaware of how their insurance policies work in the event of a storm. According to a recent survey by the Insurance Information Institute, 48 percent of homeowners believe they will be reimbursed for the market value of their home if it is destroyed. Insurance policies, however, are actually designed to cover the cost of rebuilding.

There's never a bad time to revisit your insurance policy, but those on the Eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast in particular may want to pay special attention before and during hurricane season. Lisa Lobo, consumer insurance expert for The Hartford, recommends looking at the following eight items to make sure you have the proper coverage:

1. Wind coverage: "Many homeowners aren't aware of the need for wind coverage or if they have wind coverage," says Lobo. In the event of a hurricane, you must have wind coverage within your home insurance policy to receive compensation for damage. If you live in a high risk coastal area, you may need to purchase wind coverage from your state wind pool or association, or from a surplus lines insurer.

2. Flood insurance: Flood insurance is not covered on homeowners' policies - it is a separate insurance policy that is needed to cover damage that results from flooding, even if the flooding was caused by a hurricane. For more information on flood insurance, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's information page at www.fema.gov/nfip.

3. Deductibles: You may have a different deductible for a storm than you would for an event like a burglary or fire. Your policy may have a hurricane deductible or a wind deductible. These deductibles are typically based on a home's insured value and are a percentage of your home's value at the time of the storm, rather than the traditional set dollar deductible. If, for example, a house is insured for $100,000 and has a 2 percent deductible, the first $2,000 of a claim would be paid by the policyholder. Percentage deductibles may vary from 1 to 5 percent. And in some coastal areas with high wind risk, wind or hurricane deductibles can be even higher.

4. Students: If you have a child living away from home while in school, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your child's items that may have been damaged during a storm at his or her school. Check with your insurance agent or insurance carrier to see what might be covered.

5. Reimbursement for living expenses: Most policies include reimbursement for living expenses if you are forced to live elsewhere while storm damage to your home is repaired, but this does not include lodging costs if you are simply forced to evacuate your home. Planning for these expenses ahead of time can make evacuation go more smoothly.

6. Replacement costs: Check to see if your policy will cover the replacement cost of your property or only its actual cash value (ACV), which factors in depreciation. It's not uncommon for policies to provide actual cash value for damaged possessions. For example, you may only be reimbursed $500 for the $2,000 television purchased a few years ago. Another item to keep in mind is that a standard policy generally requires the homeowner to carry a limit that is at least 80 percent of the current cost to rebuild the home. Whichever type of policy you have, it's a good idea to make your insurance company aware of any recent upgrades and ensure that you have adequate coverage when you need it.

7. Auto coverage: Check your auto policy to see what might be covered if your vehicle is damaged in a storm. Most comprehensive policies cover storm-related damage, including flooding. So it's best to check with your agent or insurance carrier directly to ensure you have the right protection in place.

8. Storm-resistant improvement credits: Ask your insurance provider if you are eligible for credits for hurricane-resistant improvements, such as storm shutters. You might be able to save some money.

Facing a natural disaster is a challenging experience, but having the proper insurance protection in place will help ensure things return to normal as soon as possible if a storm strikes your property. If you would like more information on how to get prepared or file a claim after a storm, The Hartford has resources available at www.thehartford.com/heretohelp.

(ARA) - Did you ever think that a new garage door could almost pay for itself?

Garage door replacement ranked No. 2 in "cost recouped" on a list of 35 common home remodeling projects in Remodeling Magazine's 24th annual Cost vs. Value Report. Only steel entry door replacement ranked higher.

The average midrange garage door replacement cost was estimated at $1,291. Resale value of the project averaged $1,083 - an 83.9 percent return on investment (ROI) at resale. In some cities, such as Charleston, W. Va., Honolulu, Providence, R.I., and San Francisco, the ROI for a new garage door was more than 100 percent.

Upscale garage door replacements were estimated to provide a 69.8 percent ROI - No. 4 among the upscale projects listed in the survey.

What does that mean to homeowners? You can have your cake and eat it, too. A new garage door can add to the beauty of your home as you live in it and enjoy it today, while also providing a high level of payback - nearly 84 cents of every dollar spent on the garage door replacement - when it's time to sell.

What's more, garage door replacement was one of the least expensive projects listed in the survey. That means a new garage door may be the quickest, easiest, and least expensive way to enhance your home's appearance and get a great return on your investment.

Fast fix for the facade

In addition to providing a great ROI, a stylish new garage door can add to the beauty of your home. If you have a front-facing attached garage, a new door adds instant curb appeal. An attached garage can make up a third or more of the front of the home. Replacing a garage door can be the difference between a "plain vanilla" home and a stylish, attractive home.

Visit GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial home improvement website dedicated to garage doors and garage door openers. There you will find dozens of photos of the latest in new garage door styles. Those include carriage house doors - one of the most popular styles on the market today. Modern homes can benefit from a new range of contemporary door styles with a range of bright colors, metallic finishes and opaque glass. Even the classic raised panel garage door style offers new looks and finishes that add elegance.

But the real proof comes in viewing GarageWowNow.com's before and after photos. Did you ever drive down a street you've driven down hundreds of times before and notice something "different" about a house that has enhanced its look? Could it have been a new garage door? That's what you'll see in these images of real homes from across the United States.

GarageWowNow.com also includes details about the latest in garage door openers. If your opener was installed prior to 1993, you're missing out on some important safety features that provide protection from entrapment. You're also missing out on some "wow" features such as battery backup (when a storm or blackout knocks out the power, you still have access to your home via the garage door), surge protectors to guard against voltage spikes or fingerprint-activated keyless entry pads.

Not a handyman special

If you're seriously thinking about a new garage door, here's something else to think about: once you've picked the model and style that's right for you, sit back and leave the installation to the professionals. This isn't a job for the weekend warrior.

A garage door is the heaviest moving object in your home. It is actually a system that includes springs, cables, rollers, tracks and other hardware. Some of the elements of this system are under high tension. If improperly installed, this system can cause injury or even death.

Proper installation and even repair projects are best left to experienced professionals. GarageWowNow.com can help you locate the qualified professionals in your area through a convenient ZIP code search function.

(ARA) - Whether you are upgrading a kitchen, adding on a master suite, or gutting a newly purchased structure, you need to reassess your insurance needs both before and after your renovation.

It's common to plan every major step of the renovation. But one thing that's tough to plan for is the unexpected. What if an oily rag left unattended starts a fire and your home goes up in smoke? The remodeling work done to date may have an impact on your homeowners insurance - unless you let your insurance agent in on the plans ahead of time.

For example, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company policyholders are required to let their agent know about any renovation projected to increase the replacement cost of your home by more than $25,000 in order for the crucial full-cost replacement coverage to remain in force.

"Your insurance company and your agent can help you find gaps in your coverage related to remodeling and establish appropriate replacement costs," says Don Soss, vice president of personal insurance at Fireman's Fund. "We can also make sure your contractor and subs have adequate liability insurance in case of damage to your property from poor workmanship or carelessness."

In addition, risk managers at the insurance company can provide advice to minimize the possibility of fires, theft, and mishaps. Good risk management practices also minimize potential project delays. This may be a good time to add security and safety features such as water flow monitoring devices or upgraded burglary and fire alarm systems.

One of the most common issues is maintaining a secure environment during the work phase. For example, contractors often disable a home's existing fire alarm system because dust and particulates generated by construction tend to trigger false alarms. It is important for temporary measures such as fencing and alternate alarms to be in place to keep the property secure.

Demolition debris should also be secured so it can't become airborne in high winds. Toxic or explosive materials need to be stored and handled appropriately, and rebars should be capped to prevent injury to workmen and residents.

Often, the family moves to temporary housing during a remodel. It may be a good idea to put art collections and other valuables that could be damaged in an offsite secure storage facility for optimal protection.

Even before your work is complete, your agent can go over your current homeowners insurance and make sure you have the replacement value of your home updated. This will reflect increases in construction materials and labor, changes in building codes, installation of new safety devices, changes in square footage, and custom features and appliances.

Top tips for homeowners considering a renovation:

1. Contact your agent before construction starts for coverage of your remodeling work and the value of your completed home.

2. Make sure your contractor and subcontractors have adequate liability insurance. Many contractors carry the generally recommended limits of at least twice the replacement value of the home.

3. Ask the contractor to maintain adequate safety and security devices such as fire and burglar alarms.

4. Save all records related to your project (receipts and appraisals). Store copies of these records in a secure off-site location. Videotaping your house and possessions is also recommended.

(ARA) - A surprise can be fun on some occasions, like your birthday. But when it comes to home repair emergencies, a surprise is the last thing you want - especially in these economically challenging times.

Unfortunately, this is a situation all too many homeowners find themselves in after a home emergency. Often they discover that a repair they assumed would be covered by their home insurance or local utility is actually their responsibility to fix.

From water and drainage systems to electrical and heating/cooling configurations, your home is a complex network of pipes, wires and electrical components that could require an emergency repair at any time.

An outside water pipe breaking or a sewer line collapsing can easily rank as a homeowners' worst nightmare; however, when an emergency occurs, most homeowners are not aware of who is responsible for the damage. In fact, less than 50 percent of the homeowners in a recent national survey, conducted by GfK Roper Custom Research, knew that they were responsible for repairs to the water line between their house and the street.

This is where companies that offer emergency home repair plans, such as HomeServe USA, can make the difference between peace of mind and an expensive and time-consuming repair.

"According the results of the survey, one third of all homeowners responding assumed that their local utility was responsible for the cost of a burst water line between their house and the street, when this is usually not the case," says Tom Rusin, chief executive officer of HomeServe USA. "One of the challenges of home ownership is that the potential for expensive repairs is always out there. In fact, repairing a water service line can cost more than $2,000 and simply clearing a blocked drain can cost upwards of $350."

Rusin suggests that all homeowners do the following things to minimize the potential financial liability and hassle associated with home repair emergencies:

1. Speak to your homeowners insurance agent to get a clear understanding of which areas of your home are covered by your insurance policy and which ones are not. Potential trouble spots include interior and exterior electrical wiring, outside water service and sewer lines, inside plumbing and gas piping, central heating and air conditioning systems, and the water heater.

2. Similarly, speak to your local electric, gas, and water utilities to determine equipment that you may be responsible for. As mentioned earlier, the water and sewer lines that run underneath the lawn are the responsibility of the homeowner in the vast majority of cases.

3. Proper maintenance of home components greatly minimizes the chance of an unexpected emergency. For example, check the air filter on your central heating or cooling system regularly and change it about once every three months during the season. Protect water pipes from freezing with proper insulation or draining them prior to winter. And fix leaky faucets and toilets to save water and prevent bigger problems.

4. Consider a home emergency protection plan that can relieve you of not only the financial burden of a home emergency, but also the uncertainty involved in looking for a repair person on a Sunday afternoon.

"The more prepared homeowners are for a home repair emergency, the more peace of mind they'll have and the more time they can spend enjoying their house with their families," says Rusin.

(ARA) - If you've paid attention to any news media over the past few years, you know that the housing market has dropped off. From a seller's perspective, that makes life a lot harder. But for a buyer, it can mean a wider world of options and opportunities. For those want to become owners rather than renters, it's vitally important to make smart decisions - as the markets have shown.

Many factors contribute to the real estate market's current sluggishness, and one of them is the fact that lenders are reluctant to give loans to homebuyers. After the housing market crisis, it's not surprising that they would be more demanding in their lending practices, but for those eager to buy, it means that you need to present a pristine financial profile.

There's no limit to the amount of real estate browsing you can do - either online or in your ideal neighborhood - but before you get serious about purchasing a home, take these tips into consideration.

* Pay down your debt. Before you even apply for a mortgage, it's important that you reduce your debt load. The smaller it is, the better for your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders use to determine how much they'll allow you to borrow. Items like car loans, child support and alimony, credit card bills and student loans are all factors that the lender will consider. Paying down debt can have the added benefit of improving your credit, as well.

* Check up on your credit. Having good credit is another essential element in smart home buying - it can affect how lenders view you, and the terms of your mortgage. The better shape your credit is in, the better your potential to get the mortgage of your dreams. Every year, you're entitled to a free credit report from one of the three major reporting agencies, like Equifax. Use it as a starting point that will give you an idea of your overall credit picture. Look for areas that can be improved upon and track your progress by checking your credit again after you've put in some work to bring it up.

* Make the biggest down payment possible. The era of zero-down is over, and for good reason. A down payment - and a sizeable one - can help ease the strain of a mortgage in coming years. A minimum of 20 percent down is a good idea, and if you can do more than that, so much the better. If you don't think you can afford a down payment of 20 percent or more on a house you're considering, it might be time to shop around for a less expensive home that is more budget friendly.

* Be an informed buyer. There is a seemingly endless list of things to know about buying a home, and the faster you want to buy, the faster you'll need to learn it all. One of the best things you can do is take a first-time homebuyer class offered by a reputable organization - some cities even offer them for free. Be sure you know the ins and outs of items like closing costs, adjustable rate versus fixed rate mortgages, how your credit report affects mortgage rates and the documentation you'll need to get a mortgage. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to make smart decisions that will make you a happy homeowner for years to come.

(ARA) - Whether you want to prepare your outdoor spaces for entertaining or you're trying to make a great first impression on home buyers, now is the time to get the outside looking great. From fixing up the deck on the front porch to adding some colorful flowers to the landscaping, there are plenty of elements to make your home look more inviting.

Start by determining your home's best exterior features, and then assess some improvements that you can tackle on your own and get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are some simple ways to help boost your curb appeal:

* Clean up clutter
Getting rid of clutter and scrubbing down grime should be the first steps in giving your home's exterior a fresh new glow. Start by removing any unused items or dead plants from the yard. Clean out the gutters and consider power washing the front of the house. It might not look dirty, but you'd be amazed at how much dirt can accumulate and cause a dingy, dull appearance.

* Spruce up landscaping
Take pride in your front yard and make sure to keep up with regular lawn maintenance. This could mean adding some new shrubs, plants or flowers to the house, but start by fixing up and trimming down all existing yard features. Consider lining walkways with an attractive fence or adding a splash of color with potted plants or bright flowers. A few garden fix-ups can go a long way to improve an outsider's first impression of your home.

* Add fresh features
If it's in the budget, hit up a local home and garden store to find some simple products to enhance existing elements. Maybe it's a new mailbox, trendy yard decor, or even a shiny new fixture for the front door. You can also add a couple pieces of furniture to create a more welcoming atmosphere to the front porch. Consider a visit to second-hand shops or garage sales; you never know when a fresh coat of paint can make one man's trash another man's treasure.

* Prep your deck
The exterior of your home doesn't stop at the front yard - make sure it looks inviting all the way around. Start by prepping the deck and applying a new coat of wood stain to enhance and beautify, while protecting your investment for the future. The Flood brand of wood care products provides a complete line - from prepping and cleaning to staining and sealing - to help you get the job done and make your deck the place to be.

There are plenty of projects that can make a huge difference to improve the look of your home without requiring you to spend a fortune on remodeling. Get a head start on a few of these weekend projects. Your home just might be the envy of all your neighbors this summer.

(ARA) - Only on TV would a redecorating budget of a couple thousand dollars be considered "shoestring." In the real world, most of us have a lot less than that to spend on redoing a room.

Fortunately, it's possible to completely change the look of any room in the house for as little as $100. All you need to do is focus on the design elements that will deliver the most impact for the least cost. Here's a room-by-room guide for redos that cost $100 - or even less.

Every room

A fresh coat of paint is an essential foundation for virtually any room makeover. One gallon will cover most rooms, meaning you can get a good start on your redesign for around $25 - even less if you luck out and find a deal.

Decluttering is also another way to give a room a fresh look. Whether it's your living room, kitchen or a child's room, removing excess items like papers and toys can make the room feel open and orderly.

Dining room

Your table and chairs are the centerpiece of your dining room. While a new set might not be in the budget, you can easily dress up your old one. Replacing old fabric on dining chair seat cushions can give the set a whole new look. Depending on the fabric color and style you choose, you can create looks that range from modern to traditional. Top off the table with a decorative runner in a complimentary pattern and you've redone your dining room for less than $100.

Living room

Accessories are the way to achieve a big impact for not much money in the living room. Replace old throw pillows with new, brightly patterned ones. Switch out wall decor with new pieces. Cover up worn wooden floors or shabby carpeting with an elegant area rug. It's possible to change several accessories and still bring your costs in under the $100 mark.

Kids room

If your youngster is ready for a new look in his room, rip down that teddy bear border, let him pick a paint color and consider dressing up one wall of the room with a mural. You can find plenty of kids murals for less than $100 online at websites like DecorPlace.com. Whether he likes a solar system theme or she wants a princess canopy, a wall mural can make redoing a children's room fast and easy.

Bathroom

Get rid of that old, moldy shower curtain. To create a designer look for not much dough, hang a simple, functional vinyl curtain on existing shower rod, then place a pressure rod just outside it. Add attractive, floor-length curtains from the local discount store; they'll cost a lot less than comparable versions made for bathroom use.

Ditch worn, ratty old towels with a matching set of new ones in an appealing pattern or color. Finish up by adding a decorative frame around the existing vanity mirror.

Kitchen

It's easy to spend a bundle on a kitchen rehab, but it's just as easy to make small changes that have a big impact. Rather than sinking a lot of money into changing countertops or cabinets, consider simple upgrades like new cabinet hardware, a new kitchen faucet and a new light fixture. You can also use a wall mural in the kitchen to dress it up. Whether you're looking for a rustic theme that would fit with Italian murals or a nature scape that turns a blank wall into a view on another world, you can find a wall mural to fit virtually every decorating theme for as little as $60.

You don't need the budget of a TV home improvement show to make high-impact, appealing changes to your home. You just need $100 and some ingenuity.

(ARA) - While it's easy to blame seasonal pollen, it may be what's lurking on the caulk in your bathrooms or kitchens that is causing your family to sniffle and sneeze. Since caulk is placed in moisture-rich areas, it can provide an ideal environment for mold and mildew to accumulate and grow. Mold can cause health issues, including allergic reactions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Protecting the home from the initial growth or reoccurrence of mold and mildew on caulk depends on whether the right caulk is used. That's because not all mold protection in caulk is equal. Making sure you use a caulk that addresses the whole problem - fungus and bacteria - can help provide you with an effective, lasting defense.

GE silicone caulks, such as GE Silicone II Kitchen & Bath and K/B Supreme, because of the level and type of biocide, pack the dual punch of stopping fungus and bacteria growth. The five- to 10-year mold-free product protection that GE silicone caulk offers is among the longest protection on the market today. And, each is permanently waterproof.

"Homeowners need to look for a caulk that has the right type of biocide and one that is permanently impervious to water, helping to ensure that moisture - essential for mold to grow - is unable to leak or collect behind tiles, walls, tubs, showers or sinks," says Curtis Niles, National Association of Home Inspectors.

If you do decide that it's time to replace your caulk, it's important to do the job right to ensure lasting mold protection. Here are a few caulking tips:

* Find the right caulk. Look for 100 percent silicone: it's permanently waterproof and will never shrink, crack or deteriorate over time. Avoid using acrylic caulk, which can shrink or crack over time. Water can seep through gaps left by cracked caulk. Those leaks can lead to water damage and mold growth. For added protection, choose a caulk with five or 10 year mold-free product protection. If you plan on painting over your caulk, choose a permanently waterproof and paintable caulk like Groov by GE.

* Clean the surface. Remove old caulk, dirt, and loose particles with a caulk-removing tool and wipe clean with a cloth. Never caulk over old caulk. Use a razor blade first to remove the old caulk. By removing the old caulk you can also strip off any mold or mildew that may have formed.

* Prepare the tube and seal. Cut the nozzle to a size that matches the area that needs to be caulked; close to the tip for a smaller area and further down for a larger area. Pierce the inner seal with a stiff wire or other similar object. Insert cartridge into caulking gun. Squeeze with even, consistent pressure to control the rate at which the caulk leaves the tube as you pull the gun toward you.

* Smooth the bead. Use your finger or a wet caulk-smoothing tool within two to five minutes of application.

* Store the tube and clean. Squeeze the caulk until it's barely coming out of the tube. Replace the cap, or use a nail in the tube opening. Wipe hands with a dry cloth before washing with soap and water. To clean the area around the caulk, use mineral spirits for silicone caulk or Groov.

For more information on caulking products and project advice, visit www.gesealants.com.

(ARA) - With today's economy, many Americans are choosing to live in their homes longer. As a result, a growing number of American homeowners are investing in home improvements they can enjoy themselves.

One of the best home improvements American homeowners can make is replacing tired, old, faded siding. According to the National Association of Realtors, replacing your siding offers an 80 percent payback or return on your investment.

One reason that new siding is such a solid home improvement investment is it instantly enhances the curb appeal of your home. There's nothing quite like the warm feeling of driving up to your home every day and admiring its beauty.

Siding also is a critical link to the well-being of your home. Siding is the first layer of defense against the elements, protecting the walls and interior of your home from moisture, heat and cold.

From wood clapboard and brick used widely to side homes decades ago to today's innovative materials, such as patented Ultrex pultruded fiberglass used in APEX siding and trim, siding materials have evolved to deliver higher performance, more cost efficiency and enhanced aesthetics. With so many choices available to homeowners today, it's important for homeowners to do their homework when shopping for home siding. Here are seven tips to consider when shopping for home siding:

1. Do your homework. Not all siding options are created equal. There's a huge difference between lower cost vinyl siding products and high-performance fiberglass siding. Lower priced options often come with tradeoffs, such as a higher risk of damage in a severe storm from hail or wind, faster color fading, or lots of maintenance (repainting, caulking, etc.). Premium siding products may cost more initially, but may be far less expensive and hassle-free over the course of homeownership.

2. Have a plan. Now is the time to coordinate other exterior elements with your new siding and trim to give your home a more contemporary, updated look and feel. Consider new energy-saving windows, such as Integrity windows, a new garage door, new roof shingles and enhance your landscaping through the use of pavers, wall systems and perennial plants and shrubs.

3. Get referrals. Ask your neighbors, co-workers and friends for referrals of remodelers who specialize in replacing siding. Interview several remodelers and always get detailed estimates before committing to any remodeler.

4. Visit homes. Replacing siding isn't like replacing an appliance. You may only do this once or twice in your lifetime. To make sure you get exactly what you want, make sure to visit homes that have recently been resided by your contractor or remodeler. This will help you compare how different types of house siding actually look on a home.

5. Take your siding green. When replacing your siding, use siding material that is made from sustainable materials, such as sand, which will reduce the use of harmful chemicals and paints needed to manufacture and maintain it.

6. Select your colors. Choosing a color for your new siding may be the most difficult decision you'll have to make. The good news is that today's top-of-the-line siding offers a wide variety of bold colors from which to select. In contrast to traditional wood and fiber cement siding that requires painting and caulking every few years, new pultruded fiberglass siding offers an acrylic finish that is thicker and more durable than paint, and it resists chipping and fading. This allows homeowners to enjoy the satisfaction of their new siding with virtually zero maintenance.

7. Better moisture management. The number one thing you should expect of your new siding is it should protect your home from the elements, especially moisture. Unfortunately, some types of siding, such as fiber cement, wood and stucco, are more prone to moisture because they trap or absorb moisture behind the siding material. Instead, look to a siding that is inherently resistant to water. Then, look to how that siding will manage moisture - behind the siding, when it's up against the wall of your home. A siding system that provides a continuous, natural drainage plane (moisture drains harmlessly away), and allows air to circulate to provide natural evaporation is critical to decreasing trapped moisture, which creates rot and mold.

(ARA) - As your family heads back to school, take some time to complete a few simple home repairs. Doing your "home"-work projects now will allow you to spend more time with your family and less time fixing, cleaning and repairing things this fall.

Get outside for some yard work
After a summer full of outdoor fun, it's time to tidy the yard before winter comes. Clean and safely place any outdoor furniture in storage. Once the furniture is put away, give your deck or patio a good power washing. Bring your indoor plants back inside and prune your trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth. You should also remove any leaves or debris from your gutters to avoid clogs or other drainage issues.

Inspect the driveway
While you're outside, check your driveway and patch any cracks or potholes that may have resulted from the summer heat. You may also want to consider resealing your driveway in the fall to keep it smooth and even all year long. Sealing your driveway will also protect it from any winter snow or ice damage.

Organize your garage
Fall is an ideal time to clean the garage and clear out any unwanted items your family has collected over the summer. Invest in a good storage system that will keep you organized, and clear pathways around vehicles and doors. Move your rake or leaf blower to the front of the garage and consider placing holiday or winter items in an accessible spot for the coming season.

Install a remote thermostat
With the kids back in school, your home may now be unoccupied for a large portion of the day. Lowering your thermostat while the family's away can provide substantial cost savings. A programmable thermostat will allow you to create custom temperature settings for the hours you are home and away. Some models, like the AccuLink(TM) Remote Thermostat from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, allow you to set and control your home's temperature remotely using most Web-enabled cellphones and computers.

Check and seal your windows
Proper insulation will not only keep your family comfortable, but it may also help to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. Air drafts are often easy to spot. First, make sure your windows are tightly shut. Then, feel around the edges of your windows for air leaks. If you feel a draft, you can easily seal the leaks with do-it-yourself caulk or weatherstripping.

Seasonal maintenance will help to protect your home and prepare it for winter. With a little effort this fall, your "home"-work will be sure to make the grade.

(ARA) - High-tech know-how can help you find a house or get rid of one.

"The last five years have seen a massive shift in consumer behavior, which has driven Realtors and other real estate professionals to embrace websites, social media and online videos," says Mark Flavin, director of information technology at Bay East Association of Realtors in Pleasanton, Calif., and winner of a 2010 Realtor Technology Spotlight Award.

While online listings serve as the starting point for many house hunters, a recent survey from financial services provider USAA reports that about one in five respondents would use smartphones to take photos while looking for a home. About the same number say they've already used mobile Internet service to search for a home or mortgage information. Flavin expects searches to begin with mobile devices more often in coming years.

Tools of the trade
If you're one of the 40 million Americans who typically move in a year, here are six technology trends in real estate, and ways you can use them to your benefit.

* Comprehensive online listings
With popular sites such as Realtor.com and Zillow.com, buyers can research homes for sale and sellers can advertise their listings to a national audience. One site, USAA's Home Circle, even offers rental listings for those who are not ready to buy a home. "Consumers have access to a picture of the market 24/7," says Flavin.

* Automated paperwork and cloud storage
E-signing, or electronic signature, on an iPad or smartphone, will soon become commonplace for mortgage and closing documents, predicts Brad Nix, a real estate broker in the Atlanta area and another 2010 Realtor Technology Spotlight Award winner. The U.S. lags behind other countries in e-signature use, but it will greatly improve commerce, says Stephen Ezell of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation in Washington, D.C.

The rise in cloud computing - housing data off-site instead of in on-site hard drives - also will play a major role in real estate. "Tech-savvy real estate brokers and pros can help you create a virtual folder that gives all parties access to the sales contract, inspection report, appraisal, insurance documents and closing documents," says Nix.

* Mobile apps
"Buyers want real-time access to what's on the market based on where they've parked their car," says Nix. Smartphone apps do that now, but what's new is their growing use. And sellers benefit, too, attracting traffic not just with a "For Sale" sign, but with a mobile, media-rich listing that just might lure people down the street and across the threshold.

* Online videos
Videos help showcase homes and communities on an emotional level. "They sell more than just four walls," says Nix. "They sell a lifestyle." Video style can range from simple, man-on-the-street shots to a full-scale production.

* More data
"The key difference today is access to information," notes Ezell, who's selling his D.C.-area home with his wife, Lisa. Lisa recommends community blogs and sites such as Curbed.com for local insights. She still looks to agents, though, when online information is limited or inconsistent. In D.C., for instance, Ezell says buyers can only access property tax figures online back to 1998; if they're interested in a 20-year-old home, they're out of luck. Government agencies are working to digitize records and make online data more complete.

* Social media
Social media connects buyers with local residents, as it did for Sandee Payne, USAA's Home Circle spokesperson, when she moved to Killeen. She connected with a friend via social media to get the inside information. "The level of detail available through social media is only going to grow," says Flavin. "If you go to Netflix today, you can see the most popular movies in your local community." Similarly, community opinions and advice will influence future generations of homebuyers. Real estate agents are also experimenting with blogs, and some post listings on their business Facebook pages, where buyers and sellers can become fans - just another way to pass along or view listings.

Questions to ask your agent
Flavin believes it's essential for today's buyers and sellers to partner with tech-savvy real estate agents. He suggests asking your agent these questions:

* What's your mobile strategy for selling my home or helping me find one?
* Are you able to track website traffic to my listing?
* Are you able to promote my community and my property through video services?
* Can you help me navigate these new, technological tools?

(ARA) - If you plan to put your home up for sale this summer, or if it has been on the market for some time, you might consider investing in a few key updates to improve your odds of attracting a buyer. Of course, you don't want to sink a load of cash into a place you aren't going to stay in, but focusing on a few influential fixes can drastically improve the home's overall appearance - and your chances of selling.

Freshen up
Potential buyers often look for obvious signs of neglect, such as leaky roofs, water damage or crumbling foundations. But even without these problems, making your home look like new again can be as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Cooking, smoking and everyday living can discolor and fade your ceilings and walls, making your home seem old and unattractive. It's amazing what a fresh coat of color can do to improve a home's appearance, and Pratt & Lambert Paints allows you to renew any room even faster with its self-priming Accolade paint. You want potential buyers to see your home as updated yet comfortable. A single coat of Accolade in a warm neutral like Soft Charmeuse or Havana Cream from Pratt & Lambert's 2011 Color Trends palette will give your home an open but inviting feel. And don't forget to touch up your white baseboards, trim and ceilings to make each room look its best.

Stay grounded
As much time as they spend looking up, potential buyers also spend time looking down. Flooring has a drastic effect on a home's selling power, and an outdated or poorly maintained floor can ruin a room's appeal. Old, dingy carpets can overshadow any other improvements you make and give the home an unkempt feel. If your home has hardwood floors, remove old carpeting and refinish the wood beneath it. This is a great selling feature you should invest in highlighting. If you do not have hardwood floors, update your old carpeting with a neutral shade. Replace any cracked or chipped ceramic tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, and thoroughly clean or replace the grout on all tiled surfaces as well.

Shower power
You may have heard that bathroom updates have some of the biggest returns when it comes time to sell a home, and it's true. According to CBS MoneyWatch.com, homeowners can expect to recover about 75 percent of minor bathroom remodel costs. So invest in a faucet, showerhead, cabinetry and a new light fixture to add to your "new" bathroom's appeal. Have a half-bath? Consider adding a shower to make it a full; this will make your home much more marketable.

Curb appeal
First impressions can have a huge impact on buyers' decisions, so make sure your home is as attractive from the street as possible. If your cement sidewalk or patio areas have cracks, patch them with a kit from your local hardware store. Resurface an asphalt driveway and make certain your garage doors and exterior are freshly painted. Remember, your front door is the first thing a buyer will see. Consider repainting it a bold color that invites them in, and don't overlook replacing your doorknob if it is in poor shape. Summer means color, and adding bright flowers to your front entry or garden will make any visitors feel welcome.

With a few updates around your home, you can greatly increase its perceived value and appeal to buyers. Put some time and resources into these key areas and you'll soon reap the benefits of your investment.

(ARA) - Resale value matters, whether your home is on the market now or your plans to sell are several years in the future. Whenever you make improvements to your home, you should keep the resale value of those improvements in mind, real estate experts advise.

Accessorizing existing features can be a more cost-effective alternative to making major improvements when your home is on the market. Whether it's adding window box planters to the facade, or either manual or automated blinds to a skylight, accessorizing is a great way to increase the value of existing home features.

If you're willing to spend a little money in order to (hopefully) make more money, here are some ideas for enhancing your home's existing selling points by adding some great accessories:

Dashing decks

Great outdoor spaces are attractive to buyers. But if your deck or patio is drab or in need of repair, what should be a selling point can turn into a detriment in the eyes of potential buyers. Sprucing up outdoor spaces is a low-cost way to make the most of this key selling point.

After you've given everything a thorough cleaning, look at cosmetic fixes and accessories that will make the space look more appealing. Built-in seating and planters are among the hottest deck trends this summer, and adding a few to your deck will cost a lot less than building a new one. A collapsible awning is another accessory that can make a deck more appealing - and help potential buyers envision themselves enjoying the shaded deck in the heat of summer.

Spectacular skylights

Today's no-leak skylights can be a strong selling point for your home. Skylights provide natural light without compromising privacy, can help with ventilation, and help reduce dependency on artificial lighting sources. If you already have a skylight - in the bathroom, kitchen or elsewhere in your home - accessories can help boost its appeal for buyers.

Whether your skylight is fixed or venting, here are some accessories that can enhance its value:

* Blinds - Virtually every type of blind is now available for skylights, including Venetian, blackout and roller blinds. Blinds can allow you to better control the flow of light and heat into your home through the skylight.

* Remote controls - If you have a fixed skylight, replacing it with a manual venting or electric venting model provides a chimney effect making it easy to vent stale air and humidity. You can also use the same remote to control your electric skylight and blinds.

* A home automation interface - Home automation systems control alarm systems, blinds and lighting throughout a house. You can interface your skylight and accessories into a home automation system.

* Moisture sensors - These special sensors detect precipitation and automatically close an electric venting skylight when the weather turns wet.

You can learn more about skylight accessories at www.veluxusa.com.

Fantastic fireplaces

A fireplace can be an asset - if it inspires potential buyers to envision themselves curled up in front of it with a steaming mug of tea on a wintry night. But if your fireplace is more likely to make buyers think of cleaning and renovation, you're not getting the full value out of this much-desired home feature.

Start by making sure your fireplace is clean, whether it's wood-burning or gas-powered. For gas-powered fireplaces, installing a blower that directs heat into the room can greatly enhance the unit's effectiveness and appeal. Next, consider the cosmetics. For wood-burning units, you might add an attractive (and functional) screen, decorative andirons or a fireback, and shiny new tools. Gas units can get a boost that's both practical and luxurious by creating a new mantel or improving an existing one, and adding a remote control.

Accessorizing can help you make the most of features your home already has - and ensure both you and your potential buyers fully appreciate all your home's assets.

(ARA) - A beautiful bathroom can be uplifting on many levels: it improves your home's resale value and provides you with a welcoming environment in one of the most-used rooms of your house. If your bathroom has become the room in the house you least want to visit, it may be time to consider some cost-effective upgrades.

A mid-range bathroom remodel can cost, on average, around $16,000 (and return 64 percent of that cost at the time of resale), according to Remodeling Magazine's 2011 Cost. vs. Value Report. You don't have to spend thousands, however, to give your bathroom a fresh look. Here are some high-impact, awesome upgrades that you can accomplish for less than $200 each:

Work those walls

Paint is still the cheapest, easiest way to freshen a room's look and that's true even in the bathroom. While painting a bath can be a bit more complicated than other rooms because of obstructions like mirrors, showers, tubs and the commode, it's still a project well within the abilities of most do-it-yourselfers. Good paint can be had for as little as $25, and most bathrooms will only need a gallon or two.

Once you've repainted, consider adding a wallpaper mural. You've probably always thought adding wallpaper in a bath was risky, given the room's usual humidity. But modern wallpaper options, like SmartStick by MuralsYourWay.com can easily hold up to bathroom conditions. A patented adhesive allows you to easily place the material on nearly any surface - walls, windows, that architectural niche above your bathtub - pull it down, reposition it, and even move the moisture resistant mural to a different wall. You can even customize with your own wall photo by using your own original photography. Submit your photo through the website and the company creates a custom mural using your artwork.

Lighten up

Lighting is another low-cost way to renovate a bathroom. If your bathroom sports a utilitarian overhead fixture, or a dressing-room-style light bar above the mirror, you can create a whole new look for the room by replacing those lights with one - or more - contemporary styles.

Because our bathrooms serve several functions bathroom lighting should be flexible too. Design pros often place more than one light source in bathrooms, even if the room is relatively small.

Adding a couple of wall sconces in addition to a main light source costs little but allows you to lower lighting in the bathroom when you're in the mood for relaxation. And a strong, overhead light source provides practical illumination for putting on make-up or shaving for example. It's easy to find cost-effective lighting options at your local home improvement store.

Little things mean a lot

You can also make several small changes in a bath that will have a big impact, from swapping out cabinet hardware to replacing an existing straight shower rod with a curved one. Depending on which projects you choose, you could accomplish several for less than $200 total.

Other small but mighty steps include:

* Replacing dated faucets.
* Installing a new showerhead or hand-held showerhead.
* Swapping the old toilet seat for a new one.
* Replacing accessory hardware like towel bars and robe hooks with newer, matching ones.
* Choosing coordinating bath accessories such as a cup and toothbrush holder.
* Adding new towels and bath mats.

When it comes to upgrading the bathroom, virtually any improvement has value - both in terms of enjoyment and resale. Fortunately, value doesn't have to come at a high cost, when you make simple, cost-effective improvements.

(ARA) - For most law-abiding Americans, legal assistance may not be a service you think you could need at a moment's notice. While you may think of legal assistance in connection with a criminal offense, most of the legal work done in America is for people facing much more ordinary circumstances.

You may not realize it, but most Americans will have a legal need at some point in their lives. In fact, seven out of 10 Americans said they experienced a legal event within the past year, according to a recent survey conducted by ARAG, a legal solutions provider. If having a legal plan in place seems unnecessary, consider the following instances where you may need legal assistance:

* Wills and estate planning. Planning for your own death isn't always the most pleasant thought, but it's a necessary part of life for all of us, as well as perhaps the most common legal need for Americans. Yet most people don't have a will.

* Power of attorney. If you were unable to care for yourself or make financial decisions on your own, a power of attorney document would delegate those duties to a person you trusted.

* Contractor settlements. Have you ever paid for work done on your home only to find it defective or incomplete? Legal services could be helpful to prevent or resolve these types of disputes and get the homeowner the proper restitution.

* Identity theft. In an increasingly complex world, consumer fraud and identity theft happen even to those who take all the precautions to protect themselves. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you may need legal assistance to help you recoup what was stolen and protect your good name.

* Property disputes. Whether you're an owner or a renter, there are all types of issues, such as property damage that could arise that may require a legal solution.

Given these examples, it's easy to see how you might find yourself in a situation where legal assistance could be necessary. But have you ever thought about where you would go to get legal help?

One option is to enroll in a legal plan, which offers convenient access to a nationwide network of attorneys and legal resources when a legal need occurs. These types of plans, which are offered by providers like ARAG, a global leader of legal insurance, give members the peace of mind knowing that they'll have immediate access to professional services and resources when a legal need arises.

Legal plans can often cost less than a roadside assistance membership and are usually offered through employers or organizations, although some options are also available to individuals. To find out more about how legal plans work, visit
www.ARAGgroup.com.

Many times in life, we don't think about the worst that could happen until it's too late. Preparing yourself ahead of time for everyday legal issues you may have to deal with can help you avoid a desperate situation.

(ARA) - If you're selling your home, you've probably heard about the value of "staging" it. Visually appealing decorative touches and artful arrangement of furnishings can help potential buyers recognize the appeal of your home and picture themselves living there. To strengthen your staging efforts, don't overlook the positive power of aroma.

Shopping malls and upscale boutiques use the technique of applying ambient scents in retail spaces to not only make the place smell good, but to elicit a planned psychological response that is meant to transform all of those "no thanks, just browsing" guests into cash paying customers. You can do the same to propel sluggish real estate sales.

Known as ambient fragrancing or scent marketing, the practice has spawned a whole subcategory of experts and products within the traditional fragrance industry. The result is an exciting new diversification of a category of goods and services that has been limited to perfume and scented body care applications.

Ambient fragrance started to trickle into the real estate market years ago with savvy agents baking cookies or cinnamon rolls in the homes they were showing to create a comforting, deliciously scented atmosphere that was meant to entice buyers. If you are struggling to sell a home in today's frozen real estate market, you may have tried this technique. But with the dismal state of the economy and the glut of available homes, you are surely going to have to bake a lot of cookies before a buyer will be impressed enough to make an offer on your house.

"The essential oils that are used in the practice of aromatherapy offer a more practical and potent way to use scent marketing to move a tired property," says Tom Havran, branded products developer with Aura Cacia. "Using even tiny amounts of familiar, tempting aromas like the oils of cinnamon, clove, vanilla and orange can fill a whole house with pleasant ambient fragrance and make it an attractive purchase for potential buyers."

An added bonus is that since essential oils are all-natural and distilled from plants, they are less likely to illicit the kind of adverse reactions that often come with harshly synthetic wall socket plug-ins or spray fragrances. Learn more at www.auracacia.com.

Create a warm, comforting atmosphere that can help put potential property buyers at ease with Vanilla Amber Aroma Crystals. Use real vanilla (such as Vanilla Precious Essentials oil from Aura Cacia).

Ingredients:
1 cup coarse-grained, chunky sea salt
1 teaspoon jojoba or grapeseed oil (just enough to make the salts glisten and gleam)
20 drops vanilla Precious Essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops sweet orange essential oil

Directions:
Mix salt and oils, pour into a classy-looking dish or bowl and set out on a table. Placing the crystals in a warm sunny window or near a heat register will help diffuse the delicious aroma throughout the room. Stir in additional essential oils to boost the scent as needed. This recipe sets a restful and romantic mood in the bedroom area.

The light floral/citrus scent of Fresh Flowers and Bergamot Vacuum Powder will create a cheerful, friendly and clean atmosphere to impress visitors. Since you need to vacuum before each property showing anyway, this is a great way to turn the chore into a smart real estate marketing move.

Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
35 drops bergamot essential oil
5 drops ylang ylang or neroli essential oil

Directions:
Mix baking soda and essential oils in a canister and lightly sprinkle over carpets then vacuum.

If baking cookies or apple pie sounds too involved, simply create an Apple & Spice Simmer. Here is an easy way to fill a house with the alluring, homespun fragrance of baked goods without the toil and mess of baking.

Ingredients:
5 dried apple slices
5 sticks cinnamon bark (or 2 to 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon)
1 vanilla bean
1 tablespoon whole cloves
Medium size pan of simmering water (approximately 5 cups)
30 drops cinnamon essential oil
5 drops clove essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil

Directions:
Toss apples slices, cinnamon, vanilla bean and cloves with essential oils. Place in simmering water on the stovetop. Add more water and oils as needed.

Natural, familiar aromas of essential oils are more recognizable and appreciated than the harsh and strange scents of many synthetic fragrances. Using essential oils to craft your own bit of psychological scent marketing could provide a big return on a small investment when you finally sell that home. The home you need to sell is one of thousands available in the current market and aromatherapy may give you a much needed unique and surprising edge.

(ARA) - For some people, selecting roofing material is an afterthought, but savvy homeowners, remodelers and builders know a beautiful roof creates architectural appeal that can top any other residence in the neighborhood.

Distinctive roofing completes the visual picture, accenting steep gables and supplying attractive color fields to hipped roofs. Existing homes can also benefit from the striking rejuvenation of a new roof, which adds instant attractiveness where roof appeal may not have been much of a consideration before.

Slate roofing has long been prized for its beauty, following its rise in popularity through America's early years. The picturesque look of slate is now available through the advanced technology of composite slate, created with molds cast from real slate. Unlike natural slate, it won't break or delaminate. InSpire Roofing delivers Old World elegance to both expansive and more intimate size homes, ranging in style from rustic to contemporary.

For homeowners who want to achieve a custom look, composite slate combines a perfect blend of high style and high technology to complement a multitude of architectural styles and exteriors. "Coming in the industry's widest color palette, InSpire adds richness, deep texture and the authentic look of natural slate, without the high cost and heavy weight that comes with it," says Jonathan Wierengo, vice president of marketing for The Tapco Group. Crafted from compressed limestone and virgin resins, including recycled content, InSpire is an innovative green product that even performs better than natural slate and is backed by a transferable limited lifetime warranty.

Composite slate brings artistic flair to homes clad in stone, wood, fiber cement or other materials, and adds interest on dormers, multiple gables and cross gables. Its beauty draws the eyes upward to soaring ridges, and also complements features like chimneys and eyebrow windows. Renovated brick or stucco homes can deliver a dramatic architectural statement with a new roof.

To achieve an historic look, homeowners can choose nuanced grey hues, even combining Dover Grey, Slate Grey, Pewter Grey and Charcoal Grey. These are offered among the seven standard and 11 premium colors available from InSpire, along with seven blended colors to help homeowners create custom looks that can be bold, rustic or traditional. The elemental feel of Emerald Green, the dark earthiness of Red Clay and the depth of Stone Black, also partner well with grey shades. The nature-inspired textures and colors of Moss Green and Red Cedar are a perfect fit for timber homes and rustic cabins.

To visualize your home with the natural elegance of InSpire Roofing, visit www.inspireroofing.com to pick the right color or color combination for your roof or call (800) 971-4148 for more information. InSpire Roofing Products is a division of The Tapco Group and a U.S. Green Building Council Member.