Real Estate

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(ARA) – From the moment the first cave dweller marked the wall of his home with a bit of charcoal, art has been a home decor must that has stood the test of time. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a van Gogh, the almost-mystical perfection of a da Vinci or the dreamily diffused light of a Monet, great art speaks to the soul.

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(ARA) – The average cost of a bathroom remodel tops $16,500, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report. But you don’t have to spend the average to achieve above-average results when it comes to updating a bathroom.

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(ARA) – Those statistics about indoor air pollution and it’s relation to respiratory problems convinced you it was time to get your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) cleaned. You were even looking forward to the increased energy efficiency that a clean system can provide. But $49 and one very noisy service call later, you’re still sneezing and you haven’t seen any dip in your energy bill.

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(ARA) - Do you know what's behind the drywall in your home? Unless you've ever had a home custom-built or have personally worked in construction, you might be unaware of the vital systems hidden within the walls of your home. But knowing how those systems work can help you make smart, money-saving decisions when building or renovating.

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(ARA) - The peak water usage season, which usually begins in late July or early August, arrived early this year with record high temperatures and widespread drought. During the warmer months, the average American uses about four times as much water as they do the rest of the year. More time outdoors translates into more sweat and dirt, which leads to taking more frequent showers and washing additional loads of laundry. Meanwhile, outside, fighting heat and lack of rain requires heavy lawn and garden watering.

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(ARA) - For many Americans, as they look out the window of their homes, they see what is becoming a nightmare for many people- a foreclosed house on the block. Its yard is overgrown and littered with branches and trash. It has become a lifeless shell, a magnet for trouble and a source of worry as neighbors wonder how the property will affect the value of their homes.

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(ARA) - As the years go on and people grow older, so does your home. The changing of seasons and the weather that comes along with it can take a toll on your home, leaving its appearance less than desirable.

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(ARA) - A good deck system can offer many benefits to a homeowner. Decks provide a place for fall cookouts, neighborhood parties, family get-togethers and countless other outdoor activities. A deck will not only provide years of wonderful outdoor living, it also adds intrinsic value to a home.

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(ARA) - The real estate market is still in a state of limbo, which has many homeowners staying in place and looking for ways to make their current abode the most comfortable it can be. Real estate agents expect the market to continue to be flat in 2012, according to ActiveRain Corp, a real estate social network. Because they're not selling, homeowners are looking at remodeling rooms, changing out decorating schemes and in some cases, even adding on to the home.

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(ARA) - Feeling uninspired in your space? Updating the decor in your home is an easy way to add more color, style and personality to rejuvenate your residence. Whether you're making a few updates, like new artwork or wall colors, or renovating an entire room with a completely new look, decorating should be fun, not stressful. With a few simple tips, you can up the design ante in your home without breaking the bank.

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(ARA) - Do you pin your favorite bathroom makeover ideas on Pinterest, look for inspirational kitchen designs or dream about new decorating styles for your home? If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners are opting to makeover their homes this year instead of upgrading to a new one.

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(ARA) - Termites live to eat. Their hunger causes $5 billion worth of damage each year in the U.S., damage most homeowner's insurance doesn't cover. In fact, a colony can devour a foot of 2-by-4 wood in only six months. And since termites are masters at going undetected, they can destroy entire support beams before you discover their presence. That's why it's so important to know what to look for.

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(ARA) - The average American makes 11.7 moves during a lifetime, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's about one in six people pulling up stakes each year.

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(ARA) - Bigger isn't always better in the real estate world, and what's more, it's not always possible. With more baby boomers downsizing from McMansions to smaller, more manageable houses, and a growing number of people opting to rent rather than buy, many families are looking for new ways to decorate, design and work with smaller spaces.

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Though average Americans move approximately 12 times throughout their lives, many people are in the dark about the ins and outs of hiring a mover. Movers can make the stressful relocation process go much more smoothly, but if you don't do your research, you could be in for some surprises when hiring one.

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(ARA) - Summer is finally here, and with warmer temperatures and longer days, it's the perfect time to brighten up your home with a few outdoor painting projects. You can add the right amount of color and increase your curb appeal in just one weekend, leaving you the rest of the season to enjoy the finished product.

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(ARA) - It's moving season. In a buyer-friendly market, home shoppers can be pretty particular in their search for a dream home. Increasingly, buyers are seeking flawless, move-in ready homes, and while traditional home inspections are a must-have, something equally important lurking beneath homes often goes overlooked.

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Buying your first home will likely be one of the most exciting and scary times of your life. Beyond the basic considerations - location, number of bathrooms, ranch style vs. multilevel - there are a number of important financial factors to determine before deciding which house is right for you.

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(ARA) - Cutting back on vacations and entertainment is a wise move to help ride out a recovering economy, but don't be tempted to forego car and homeowners insurance to make ends meet.

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(ARA) - For many younger Americans, the dream of owning their first home is alive and well. But for others, it's still an elusive dream.

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(ARA) - Looking for a way to improve the curb appeal of your home? Re-siding your home with vinyl siding is a great investment because it never needs painting to maintain its beauty and durability.

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(ARA) - You've got a list of spring home improvements to do, a vision for getting them done, and you even have a budget. Now all you need is someone to do the work; it's time to hire a contractor. Yet even the best-laid home improvement plans can go awry if you hire the wrong person or company to do the job.

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(ARA) - Generations of Americans have considered owning their own home a key aspect of achieving the American Dream. But the lingering aftermath of the Great Recession has caused many people to rethink that belief. Rental occupancies are rising as more Americans opt to lease their homes, rather than buy.

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(ARA) - The wedding's over, the thank yous are sent and the top cake tier is in the freezer, waiting for your first anniversary celebration. Now you and your new spouse are starting to act on the plans you've made for your life together, and are ready to take that big step in moving into your first real home.