When Buying a Starter Home, Think About Your Future Needs

Buying a starter home is the big first step in home ownership. However, today's volatile financial climate means your starter home may remain your residence longer than intended. You could spend up to a decade in this first home, so shop with an eye toward the future.

Get as much house as you can afford, and the key word here is afford—don't overextend yourself. Stick with an amount that's reasonable... Read More

Edging Options for Your Landscape

The right edging enhances and complements your landscaping. It also has a utilitarian purpose: edging is a barrier that isolates your garden beds from the lawn and prevents unwanted soil spillage.

While looks are important, don't choose an edging material based solely on its initial aesthetic appeal. Instead, take the time to understand the pros and cons of each edging option, as explained below.

1. Stone Edging
Whether you choose smooth river pebbles... Read More

Get an Early Start on Fall Home Repairs
Courtesy of ARA Content
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
Clean and put away unused outdoor furniture. Once the deck or patio is cleared, give it a good power washing. You should also remove any leaves... Read More

Create a Spacious Home With These 7 Decorating Tips

Who wants to live in a cramped, cluttered house? Not you—and not prospective homebuyers either. Make your home more livable for yourself and more appealing to others when you take these seven tips on board.

1. Purge Your Clutter
A cluttered room feels cramped and uncomfortable. If your whole house is cluttered, it probably isn't very inviting to visitors. Get rid of as much clutter as possible, and investigate some good storage options for the rest of your stuff.

2. Paint Walls and Ceilings
Dark paint colors make a room feel like the walls and ceilings are closing in. Busy patterned wallpaper has... Read More

Low Mortgage Rates Predicted Through Mid-2013

As of Tuesday, August 9, the Federal Reserve has decided that the current economic climate justifies keeping the federal funds rate at nearly zero through mid-2013. What does this unusually transparent statement mean for prospective homebuyers?

The Fed's prognosis means that homebuyers who qualify for a loan can lock in rock-bottom interest rates today. Those with less-than-stellar credit can look forward to taking advantage of the exceptionally low rates when they've built up their credit.

However, it would be unwise for consumers to adjust their long-term fiscal goals solely because of the anticipated low rates over the next two years. For those who are ready... Read More