Preparing Your Home for Spring: Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Rental or Home

Herndon, Virginia - March has come in as a lamb and is leaving like a lamb this 2012 Spring, with temperatures already hitting the 80’s. If you are a Homeowner or a Renter in the Northern Virginia area, McGrath Real Estate recommends completing certain tasks to ensure that your spring and summer is more enjoyable.

The exterior of the rental has obviously had the most exposure to the winter weather. It is recommended that you check your gutters to make sure they are still clean and if not, have them cleaned. Hose bibs should be opened and if necessary, McGrath Real Estate suggests having the exterior siding power washed to remove any dirt and algae. For homeowners interested in starting their landscaping, you can get a start on your gardening by cleaning away fallen sticks and rake away any dead leaves. Even if your grass is still in good shape, bald spots in high traffic areas may need more grass seed be put down to keep your lawn beautiful and green all summer long.

Dave Buckingham, the Head of the Repairs Department at McGrath Real Estate says the most important thing a homeowner or renter can do in the spring is to check their air conditioning system. “The first thing anyone living in a single family home or townhome should do is to turn on their Air Conditioning unit and make sure it’s working. The last thing you want is to really need your A/C in July and it won’t turn on. Save yourself the headache and check it now. Contractors are very backed up in the summer months, and it can be several days til a repairman can come out.” Also imperative is to change or clean the air filters in the home. This increases the efficiency of all home HVAC systems.

It may be cliché but doing some ‘spring cleaning’ improves the functionality of your home and creates a happier living environment. If you are a renter and have questions about what home maintenance tasks should be complete, McGrath Real Estate recommends talking to your property manager or landlord.

About:
McGrath Real Estate Services has served the Northern Virginia region since 1976 as an expert in property management and real estate sales. Founded by a Foreign Service family they understand and appreciate the unique needs of homeowners serving our country abroad. For more information please visit McGrathRealEstate.com. (PRWEB)

SlateTec® Introduces Simple Lightweight Roof System Using Natural Slate

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SlateTec, Inc. announced today the launch of a new simple lightweight roof assembly system using natural slate: the SlateTec system.

The patented SlateTec system layers highest-grade slate (grade S1) over a recyclable high-tech polymer interlayment to reduce roof weight, and slate pieces used, by approximately 40 percent while yielding a roof “made of natural slate and looking exactly like a traditional slate roof,” according to Mike McDonough, president of SlateTec.

“Homeowners, contractors and architects now have the option of quickly and easily replacing asphalt or wood shingles with beautiful long-lasting slate.

“Our simple process reduces roof weight to the level of asphalt or wood shingles without compromising the aesthetics and durability of natural slate.”

In the past, a shift from, for example, petroleum-derived asphalt shingles to slate required improving the roof structure to support the greater weight of stone. (Clay and concrete tiles are similarly heavy.) The cost and time of this work typically either deterred homeowners or led them to synthetic slates, which are lighter.

SlateTec is priced similar to imitation slates and to the few complicated lightweight slate methods presently available.

“Weight and price are comparable to synthetics, but we supply natural S1 slate—we are greener—and the roof will last up to 100 years, versus 50 years, and look identical to a traditionally installed slate roof,” McDonough added.

“The curb appeal is unequalled. And with our simple installation process, almost any roofing contractor can now install natural slate.”

Building and roofing contractors, homeowners and architects can visit www.slatetec.net or call 303-462-3037 to order the SlateTec lightweight natural-slate roof system.

SlateTec also announced licensing its weight-saving roof technology to Ludowici Roof Tile, the largest clay tile manufacturer and maker of the finest clay roof tile for over 123 years, for use in the new TileTec clay tile roof system, exclusively offered by Ludowici.

Is the SlateTec roof system “green?”

The environmental impact of SlateTec roofs is low, largely due to their long life: 75 to 100 years. This is twice that of cement tiles and three or four times that of wood and asphalt. Roofing systems with shorter life spans generate more negative impacts over time because they must be replaced more often. Long lifespan also decreases lifetime cost.

About SlateTec

SlateTec is a simple lightweight roof system using natural slate that weighs approximately 40 percent less than other slate roofs, allowing old and new homes to be roofed in slate without costly reengineering and strengthening of the roof-support structure. The patented SlateTec system consists of two highly durable components: American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) grade S1 slate and SlateTec’s recyclable polymer interlayment, which is lapped beneath and concealed by the slate pieces. With a cost comparable to synthetic or imitation slate and twice the lifespan, 100 years, SlateTec offers outstanding value in natural slate roofing. Information on SlateTec can be found at www.slatetec.net. The company is headquartered in Wheat Ridge, Colo.

5 Tips to Help You Find the Right Apartment for a More Comfortable Living

Finding the right apartment takes a lot consideration. You need to look for a favorable location, consider what you can afford, think of what you really need, ask for recommendations from people you trust, and visit different units in order to find the perfect place for you to live in.

Moving is not that easy. Aside from adjusting to a new environment, you need to find a place to rent that will suit all your needs. To help you find the perfect apartment unit, here are some helpful tips:

Look for a favorable location

When searching for an apartment, the number one thing to consider is the neighborhood. Nobody wants to live in place that is unsafe. Maybe you want a peaceful place where you can really relax when work is done, without so much noise from the outside. Furthermore, you also need to consider the accessibility of your apartment from your office. Walking distance is a great advantage. However, if you cannot find an affordable place near your place of work, at least make sure it is accessible to public transportation. See if there is a hospital or convenience stores and groceries nearby for more convenience. If you have children who will attend school, it would also be great to find an apartment close to it.

Consider what you can afford

Affordability is a must here. You need to consider how much you can afford on an apartment. This is where your priorities are tested. Considering that your budget is limited, it does not necessarily mean that you will have to rent apartments that are old, dirty, and mismanaged. Another option for you could be getting a nice room but with very limited space and less amenities or an apartment that is inaccessible. It is all up your priorities. To help you lessen your rent, consider having an extra room rented out by a person you can trust.

Think of what you really need

Next, you have to consider your basic needs in an apartment. You need to go into details like the number of levels or floors you prefer, the number of rooms, the room sizes, the number of bathrooms, the kitchen size, the heating and cooling systems, and whether or no you need a balcony or other additional features. If you have a pet, look for a place where pets are allowed. Do you want a building with an elevator or a ramp? Do they have laundry services or a fitness gym? Make sure the location is safe, too. Are the locks reliable? Is there an emergency exit? These things are very important for you to consider so you can decide which apartment is right for you.

Ask for recommendations from people you trust

Before you go checking out apartments, ask family and friends if they happen to know a good place you can rent according to your specifications. You can also consider using the services of a broker, but be sure that your broker is reliable. It is also advisable not to rely on only one broker so you can increase your options. Aside from this, you can also check out the Internet for online listings. This is especially helpful when you are planning for a temporary business or vacation stay in a foreign country, where you have no friends or relatives residing in the place. Just make sure you’re searching on the right website and that you review client feedback and reviews. In addition, to help make your search a lot easier, just type in the place where you wish to stay and the word “apartment.” For example, type Tangier apartment if you wish to find a place to rent in Tangier.

Visit different units

As much as possible, visit as many apartments as you can, but never waste your time visiting the ones that do not meet your basic needs. When visiting prospects, check on the lights, the faucet, and other important features to make sure they really work. Do not hesitate to ask questions about repainting when it's needed before you move in, as well as other repairs needed. Try to negotiate the rent and ask for vacancy rates. This will help you determine whether the apartment is well-managed or not. Talk to neighbors, too. They will provide you with important information about the place and the landlord.

Looking for an apartment can be very stressful, but as long as you know your needs and your limits, you search will be a lot easier. Negotiate and keep your composure when questioning things to keep good relations with a prospective landlord.

5 Important Features to Look For in a Rug to Make Your Room Look Fabulous

Hunting for the best runner rugs that will complement your room won’t be so hard once you look for the following features: color, texture, size and shape, material used and design.

Rugs are excellent room/floor decorators. But, searching for the right rugs seems like a chore for there are so many kinds to choose from. This shouldn’t be done in a hurry if you really want the best ornament for your home. The features below will serve as a guide to help you find the perfect rug you've been looking for.

Color

The first feature to look for is the color of the rug. It shouldn’t clash with the hue of the walls itself. The flooring should also be taken into consideration. Bear in mind that the color of the furniture should also be counted. Colors can play tricks in one’s mind such as choosing bland and pastel colored rugs to give off a spacious vibe. Darker and deeper colors endow are room with a cozy feeling, a warm atmosphere and a sense of relaxation. On the other hand, if you prefer rugs decorated with bold patterns with intricate designs, this would best fit with simple and monochromatic furniture. To avoid putting your guest into confusion, take the stated guides into thought.

Texture

Another way to affix a certain kind of feeling is through the texture of a rug. If you prefer a soft and cozy feeling, a fluffy-looking rug in pastel colors would fit this specification. Then again, some prefers a sophisticated look. This can be attained through choosing a rug with elaborate patterns. If you fancy a mod style of room, a rug of monochromatic hue will suit best.

Size and Shape

The size of a rug should depend on the area you want to cover. You don’t want to make you room look packed. A room should always have a welcoming vibe, not a suffocating one. Modern area rugs come in different sizes and shapes. There are ones for a long hallway, for round tables, to name a few. Don’t lose hope because there is always one out there that would be perfect.

Material used

Before purchasing a rug, check on the material used with a keen eye. Hand-woven rugs are of the best quality since each strand is tightly interlaced. Also, examine the back portion of the rug. If the pattern at the back is seen, then that rug deserves a thumbs-up. Reversely, if the back portion is covered with a cloth-like layer, expect that it wouldn’t last long because after some time, it will leave a cotton-like residue on the floor. Good looks plus quality equals perfect choice.

Design

There are loads of runner rugs to choose from. The advantage of modern area rugs is that each one is not exactly identical to the other. A distinct way to reveal your true personality is how you decorate your home. Styles like Persian rugs and Oriental rugs pose a great deal of choice. The appealing plus to rugs is that you may settle in two or more so long as it will match the natural ambiance in your room.

Gaze at your room for a few seconds and think about what areas you would like to focus on. What’s unique to rugs is that each perspective gives a cool vibe.

3 Ways of Avoiding Bunk Bed Injuries

Here are three ways of avoiding bunk bed injuries: practice safety behavior, ensure safe construction, and attention to added considerations.

Injuries are common in kids with bunk beds in their rooms. Common and rampant these injuries may seem, yet, they can still be prevented to happen. It is just a matter of doing some ways to limit if not totally avoid incidence of doctor visits due to falls or head bumps brought about by bunk beds. Below are some helpful ways:

Practice safety behavior

Here are some safety behavior practices that should be strictly followed:

• you should not leave your children below 6 years old unaccompanied in rooms with bunk beds. A fall is a common injury that happens because of bunk beds, and is highly to occur in kids below six years old.


• horseplay is a no-no for kids, either on or under the bed.


• only one kid is allowed on top of the bunk bed.


• don't let your kids hang items on bunk beds like ropes, belts, etc. This is to prevent any strangulation to occur.


• make sure to reinforce to your kids of the safety policy you have given them. It is better not to presume that your kids know and have remembered completely what you told them with regards to safety rules.

Ensure safe construction

It is your lookout that you child's bunk bed should have a safe construction. These are the factors you need to consider:

• the top bunk bed should have a guardrail. The opening for entrance and exit should not exceed 15 inches.


• the top bunk's rails should be about 5 inches from the mattress' surface.


• make sure that the size of your mattress is the appropriate one. Don't use a larger or a smaller one to prevent your child from falling.


• ensure that the ladder is strong enough to accommodate your child in going up and down it.


• the ladder should not have hanging items or clutter.

Attention to added considerations

Apart from the ones mentioned above, here are additional things to be considered too:

• don't position a bunk bed under a ceiling fan.


• don't place it directly under a lighting fixture.


• ensure that there is enough space for your kid to sit on the bed without bumping or hitting his head.


• don't use water mattress for your kid's bunk bed.


• a nightlight is necessary especially for you child sleeping on top of the bunk.


• avoid using substitute parts for your bunk beds. Instead, have the replacement from either the dealer or manufacturer.


• don't remove any earning label as provided on the bunk bed by the manufacturer of bunk beds.

Whether your kids are using full bunk beds or other types of bunk beds, safety holds a very vital aspect in choosing, buying and using these type of beds.

3 Helpful Tips on Finding a Trusted Mover for a Convenient Moving Experience

Finding a trusted mover is not an easy task. To make sure the mover you choose is reliable enough to care for your belongings, solicit advices from people who have had experience with movers; surf the Internet and go over mover reviews; and talk to at least three moving companies in your area and compare them

Moving to another place can be very exciting yet difficult, especially when finding a trusted mover to transport your things safely and damage-free. But how can you really find a reliable mover to do this for you? Here are some helpful things you can do:

Solicit advices from people who have had experience with movers

One of the best ways to find a reliable mover is to seek advice from credible people who have tried the services of a moving company. These trusted people include your neighbors, your relatives, or your colleagues. Ask them about the experience they had with the moving company they hired. You can also inquire your real estate agent for recommended movers in your area or state. If you live in Minneapolis, for example, ask for Minneapolis movers they happen to know that are credible.

Surf the Internet and go over reviews

Another way to make sure that you find a trusted mover is to go over customer reviews on the Internet. It is not enough to click on moving company websites and believe everything they brag about their services. It is important that their claims are backed by positive customer reviews from trusted websites like moverreviews.com, moverssearchandreviews.com, and 123movers. You can also check out movingscams.com to find out client complaints on movers.

Talk to at least three movers in your area and compare them

After soliciting advices and going over reviews, you can start calling at least three movers in your area and compare which one is more reliable. Here are some concerns you can ask, observe, and compare to find a reliable moving company:

• Registration and years in the business. To be sure if the moving company is legitimate, ask for their registration number. In addition, find out how many years they had been in the business. The longer they had been providing moving services, the more reliable they tend to be.

• Rates. Of course you will be asking about their rates, but to find a mover who you can trust, you need to see to it that their price is not too high or too low compared to other movers. Very high rates would mean overpricing, while too low would make them suspicious, too. Furthermore, never consider a mover who asks for big deposit payments even before they transport your belongings. They just might be scammers who do not appear at your door step during your scheduled move. You can check out movingscams.com for some complaints on movers.

• Insurance. Inquire about insurance costs, too. Be careful of companies who promise that all your items are covered by their insurance or those companies who do not offer any insurance at all.

• Inspection. Make sure that the mover provides an on-site inspection of your belongings and an estimation that is based on weight, not by cubic feet that is considered invalid.

• Information copy. The mover must be able to provide you with your copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". This information is required by the Federal regulations to be provided to customers of movers when planning an interstate relocation.

• Subcontracting. Ask if the mover will hire a subcontractor to do the move for you or they do it themselves. If they hire a subcontractor, ask for the driver's details. If they fail to do so, then you cannot trust them at all.

All these are important to consider if you want to make your moving experience less stressful. You need to find a moving company you can trust so you can relax and would not have to worry about being scammed.

Mortgage Advice: Deposit Still Crucial for First-time Buyers

The Bank of England announced on Thursday that they would be pumping an extra £50bn into the UK economy as part of their quantitative easing programme. Unfortunately for first-time buyers, this may not help to make mortgage deals more attainable, according to money comparison site CreditChoices.co.uk.

Despite a current total of £175 billion in quantitative easing, mortgage deals are still limited for buyers with a mortgage deposit of less than 25% of the price of the property. Recent figures from the Council of Mortgage lenders showed first-time buyers are stumping up an average deposit of £32,000 to climb the first rung of the property ladder.

Chris Eagle, commercial manager of CreditChoices.co.uk, said: 'Quantitative easing has not yet had a noticeable effect on the mortgage market and most first-time buyers are still struggling to raise a enough of a deposit to purchase a property. However, there are a number of steps first-time buyers can take to help build up the necessary deposit.'

Top tips from CreditChoices.co.uk on how to save for a mortgage deposit:

1) Use other savings

Chris Eagle recommends dipping into other savings: 'If you have savings separate from your deposit then it may make sense to use these to boost your deposit,' he says. 'The money you will save by getting a better interest rate on your mortgage is likely to outweigh any returns you are currently getting on cash in a savings account.'

2) Get better returns

You need to think carefully about where to put your money while you save, says Eagle. 'While you are saving up for your deposit, make sure your cash is earning as much interest as possible', he says. 'Savings interest rates are not great at the moment but there are always accounts that beat the rest.'

3) Spend less

Budgeting is crucial to maximising your saving power, says Eagle. 'Cutting back in the short-term will help you achieve your long-term goal of owning your own house,' he says.

4) Ask for help

Help from family is often vital for first-time buyers, says Eagle. 'Now more than ever, help from parents, family or friends can be make-or-break for first-time buyers', he says.

Eagle advises setting out a careful plan with your lenders, even if they are close family, to prevent trouble further down the line. 'You should always agree in advance how you will pay back the loan,' he says. 'Look carefully at whether you will be able to repay it in a reasonable time, and put everything in writing with a copy for both parties.'

5) Get a loan

An unsecured loan which boosts your deposit could get you a better mortgage deal, says Eagle. 'Just make sure you get your sums right and that it is cheaper than getting a mortgage without it. Also remember to include loan repayments into your calculations for monthly repayments.'

6) Speak to an expert

It's important to get all the facts and to compare mortgages, says Eagle, as you may find there are mortgage options you had never thought about.

'Speak to an expert', he says. 'If you are struggling to build up a large mortgage deposit, there may be specific options you can consider, such as part-ownership mortgages, graduate mortgages, guarantor mortgages and government-assisted mortgages.'

Press

Cabinetparts.com Makes Granite Look for Countertops Easier

Laminate for Countertops has come a long way in the past 2 years. With the introduction of High Definition laminate, Wilsonart created a product that mimics the look and feel of real stone. A new process called Aeon Enhanced Performance "dramatically improves wear and scuff resistance on Wilsonart HD and Premium laminate designs."

Changing the look of your countertop can increase the value of your home whether you are improving to sell, or just want to enhance your space. "The large-scale granite look remains in high demand among budget-conscious homeowners remodeling their kitchens and baths, and new designs from Wilsonart Laminate fill that need in spades."

Laminate for Countertops is readily available, ships and installs easily and has literally thousands of colors and designs to choose from. "No matter what your budget or style, whether you are a design professional or consumer, we have a product to fit your needs."

Appliance Art Releases an Inexpensive and Green Alternative to Purchasing New Appliances

For many, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. In the past, options for appliances have remained limited by color or texture. Decorating a kitchen relies heavily on personal taste, style, opinion and feel. It was with this in mind that GRIP Promotions releases its first ever line of consumer products: Appliance Art. Appliance Art is a line of appliance wraps that upgrade the cosmetic appearance of appliances. With static cling, magnetic and adhesive vinyl options, Appliance Art can be installed in a few minutes and will help to keep many junkyards, landfills, and appliance graveyards free from housing appliances that can still function for several more years.

"Our focus groups indicated that the main reason consumers replaced appliances was dissatisfaction of cosmetic appearance rather than the appliance malfunctioning," Said Grant Smith, President of GRIP Promotions. Grant adds, "It was in this research that we saw a demand for an inexpensive way to change the appearance of an appliance without replacing it. In this recession, feeling comfortable at home has become a higher priority. We wanted people to be able to feel that they can improve their homes without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to replace items in their kitchens." Appliance Art, all options priced at $44.99 with free shipping, intends to add additional categories and appliance options on a weekly basis.

Press

GE Unveils “Net Zero Energy Home” Concept

A leader in Smart Grid solutions, GE today unveiled plans for a “Net Zero Energy Home” project which combines GE's most efficient appliances and lighting, the company's new energy management systems, and GE power generating and storing technologies in new home construction. When applied together, the system would enable a homeowner to achieve net zero energy costs by 2015. The Net Zero Energy Home project -- and new smart grid consumer poll data from the U.S. and the U.K. -- were introduced at GE's smart grid symposium at its Global Research Center in upstate New York.

As part of the company’s ecomagination strategy, the GE Net Zero Energy Home offerings will be comprised of three major groups within the product portfolio: energy efficient products including appliance and lighting products that will reduce energy consumption in the home; energy management products that will enable consumers to manage their costs and energy consumption; and energy generation/storage products like solar PV, advanced energy storage and next generation thin film solar that will play an integral part in the net zero energy home.

“Much of today’s electrical grid dates back to the days of our founder Thomas Edison," explained Mark Little, senior vice president and director, GE Global Research. "And while that grid has served us well for decades, we recognize that by investing in technologies to transform the current electrical infrastructure, GE will be able to provide powerful solutions for customers around the world for the next 100 years. We’re working with our utility and government partners to deploy energy-efficient technologies today, in a way that will empower consumers without compromising their lifestyle.”

One new product that will give consumers more control will be available as early as 2010, when GE will introduce the Home Energy Manager, the central nervous system for the Net Zero Energy Home that will work in conjunction with all the other enabling technologies in the home to help homeowners optimize how they consume energy. GE will also introduce a line of smart thermostats in 2010 that, together with the Home Energy Manager, will inform consumers on their energy use and empower them to make smarter decisions on their energy consumption. The smart thermostats can help consumers significantly save on their energy bills.

It's A Great Time For Real Estate In Austin, Texas

TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a new independent website offering exciting and unique Top 10 lists of today's best deals on real estate for sale. Their current featured market addition is Austin, Texas.

"According to Relocation.com, Austin TX is the #1 city to which to relocate for a fresh start. This means that if you're down and out somewhere else in the country, moving to Austin would lift your spirits and offer you a new, fresh start for life, family, and career. " says Austin Real Estate Top Ten Concierge, Donna Harris.

The Austin list features the 10 best deals on a mix of waterfront homes, ranches, and condos in the Austin, Texas area.

To view the Austin Top Ten Real Estate List visit: http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/luxury_real_estate/condos/regional/austin/

This list is a welcome addition to their already extensive list of regional markets. To view a full list of their regional real estate markets visit http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com

The site also offers a weekly Real Estate Top 10 list of national deals in the United States.

In addition to the best home and condo bargains, the Top Ten research team looks for fun, eye catching deals. Recent Top Ten listings have included a spaceship house in Chattanooga, a cave home in Missouri, and a haunted house in Massachusetts.

Their independent Top Ten team focuses on uncovering the best luxury real estate deals from the web, newspapers, auction lists, and pre-construction ads while including only those deals that they feel are the very best bargains! The deals are not their listings, they do not broker sales, and they are not an agency. TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a general media showcase of great deals on real estate for sale.

Press

Colorado Mountain Estate Debuts!

One of the finest luxury estates in Evergreen, Colo., is -- for the first time in its 24 years -- available for purchase. Nicknamed Meadow Mountain Estate and nestled on 7.8 acres in Evergreen's prestigious Soda Creek community, the supremely custom land/home package is offered at $5.2 million. It is listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokers of Evergreen.

Built into Soda Creek's wooded hillside, the southwestern-style main residence began as a smaller more traditional home when constructed in 1985. But in 1992, its original owner, Terry Epstein, began a massive renovation of the existing structure. The three-year transformation added 3,700 square feet to the main home and completely changed its interior and exterior motif.

Working with Evergreen-based Tolleson Architects and Vintage Designs, the end result was a stunning 10,000+-square-foot reflection of the architecture, materials and nature-inspired ambience that Epstein had always admired while vacationing in Santa Fe, N.M.

"I had traveled to Santa Fe numerous times when I decided I wanted to dramatically change the look and feel of my property," says Epstein. "I wanted a property that was more comfortable, more natural. . . a place where one could really enjoy life."

Epstein even went so far as to add a 600-square-foot heated guest tipi on the property grounds. Designed by Lakota Indian John Eagleday, the tipi is complete with authentic hand-painted Native American wall murals, a stone-ringed fire pit, hardwood floors, an AV system and waterproof canvas walls custom crafted by Colorado Yurt Company.

Post-renovation, the home features seven private bedroom suites, a solar-heated indoor pool and hot tub, four striking water features, a 12-person hot tub cavern, a game room, a 16-foot bar, a 1,200-bottle wine cellar, home theater, 17 televisions, audio-video system, numerous patios and roof-top decks, and more than 125 expansive windows framing views of the Continental Divide.

A meandering stone walkway connects the main home to the guest tipi, various terraces and park-like areas, a fenced playground and a six-stall livery stable with caretaker's quarters.

This Rocky Mountain estate is sited just 35 minutes from downtown Denver and an hour from Colorado's world-class ski resorts.

'Nation's Next Top Model Home' Interior Design Competition to Premiere June 15th

The beginning of a new genre of reality competitions emerged today with the announcement of the 2009 "Nation's Next Top Model Home" competition.

In this unique web-based challenge, seven lucky interior designers will be chosen to decorate the primary living areas of seven new model homes within a single new home community. Designers will ultimately be competing for a $25,000 cash prize.

Starting June 15th, "Nation's Next Top Model Home" will broadcast weekly online webisodes, spotlighting designers and their work through in-depth interviews, personal video blogs, and journals. The public can follow each designer as they begin their 28-day quest to turn a blank canvas into a beautifully staged living space. Fans of the show will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite designers, as well as their favorite interior design elements used in the competition.

The winning designer will ultimately be chosen by the public during the show's Grand Reveal weekend, where the actual model homes will be open for viewing for a period of 30 days. Visitors will be able to tour each designer's entry home and cast their votes for the winning design.

"This competition combines all the positive characteristics of reality shows and social media," said Kelly Burnette, one of the competition's founders. "It's the perfect opportunity to create a fun and dynamic following on the web, as well as provide terrific exposure for the participating designers and the host community."

The 2009 host community for this year's competition will be Compass Pointe. Located minutes outside historic Wilmington, North Carolina, the area is famous for beaches, warm breezes and southern hospitality. Known as a thriving new community, Compass Pointe is the ideal location to launch the competition's inaugural year.

Applications are currently being accepted through June 15th from regional designers interested in participating in the competition. Entry information can be found on the competition's website at www.nationsnexttopmodelhome.com.

Press

Tips For Making Your Home Feel Like New

Feldco Factory Direct, LLC brings a new element to people looking for a new home. By replacing windows, siding and doors, Feldco brings a fresh feel to an existing home. Products allow customers to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living atmosphere. With windows, siding and doors being their specialty, they are the go-to for home improvement projects.

A Chicago tradition for over 30 years, Feldco offers free in-home estimates for their services along with a quick installation period, allowing the customer to have their home complete in mere days, a quicker and cheaper way of building a new feel to your existing home.

With this new concept in freshening homes, Feldco does not compromise on quality. "Throughout Feldco's history, we have been lauded as a company committed to fair and ethical business practices. We were the first home improvement company to join the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, and have remained a member in good standing for over thirty years, as well as an A+ grade," said Doug Cook, President.

Feldco products are Energy Star rated and qualify for the new $1,500 Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency. All Feldco Windows, Siding and Door products are manufactured in the U.S.A.

People Still Looking to Buy New Home Despite Recession

One would think that people would no longer consider buying their first home due to the economy. But based on a study, there are still people who plan to get one at the right price that fits their budget. While half (52%) of all Americans are concerned they or someone they know will face foreclosure in the next six to 12 months, 23% of adults plan to purchase a home in the next five years, and more than half of them (53.5%) are first time homebuyers, according to a new survey commissioned by Move, Inc., the leader in online real estate and operator of Realtor.com(R), the #1 homes for sale Web site.

The Move survey also found nearly one out of five homeowners (18.9%) plan to take advantage of the administration's new program to help prevent foreclosures. While searching for answers in the past 12 months, 21% of all homeowners with a mortgage contacted a lender to restructure their loan. Half (10.6%) of those homeowners that contacted their lender experienced success while 5% still await an answer.

Unemployment is a driving factor causing many Americans to fear foreclosure, according to the survey. More than a quarter (27.1%) of adults feel they or someone they know may default on their mortgage due to recent unemployment (27.1%), future unemployment (29.3%) or because they owe more on their home than it's worth (25.6%). One out of eight (15.4%) is having a hard time making mortgage payments because they've recently increased or because they have too much debt (18.8%).

Determined to remain in their homes, nearly three-quarters (72%) of adults reduced spending in the past year in order to make monthly mortgage or rent payments, mostly by cutting discretionary spending such as vacations, entertainment and eating out (75%), personal items such as clothing, personal care and personal luxuries (72%) and energy costs such as gasoline and utilities (71.6%). Regardless of age, most Americans are cutting spending back from some aspect of their life to pay housing costs.

"It's not all doom and gloom. We found Americans are optimistic about homeownership despite concerns," said Move, Inc., CEO Steve Berkowitz. "They're doing everything they can, from reducing discretionary spending to pay their mortgages, to planning to take advantage of the administration's new program to stop foreclosures. They're also working with lenders to modify loans. Even more impactful are numbers that show interest in home ownership is strong as nearly a quarter of all adults plan to buy a home in the next five years."

Source

How to Find the Right Apartment

For people who are in the market for new places to live in, monthly rentals are surely one of their main concerns. Although you will not know what the actual rental rate of a certain apartment or condo unit would be until you call, you can really assess and gauge if it is within you budget depending on how long it remains vacant.

Some apartments for rent that are good and fair priced are bound to be immediately taken. But one thing you have to note is associating the actual apartment size with the asking rate. The lessors are bound to be open for negotiating the monthly rate but don’t expect it to be drawn down to levels that can match your budgeted rate for living.

Here are some tips on spotting crazy rental rates:

1. Assess the time it remains vacant. The longer it is, the expensive it is bound to be.
2. Survey the location. There has to be a reason why it takes some time for a place to be rented. It could be haunted or there may be issues such as constant flooding or even robberies.
3. Ask around and evaluate the neighborhood. When renting, you don’t have the privilege of security most of the time. Consider the people living in the area and on whether you can co-exist with them.
4. Check out the amenities. There are some lessors who do not take into consideration issues like plumbing or renovation. Some of these apartments have been up for some time and if they are not maintained, you may end up living in a minefield waiting for disaster to happen.
5. Do a Landlord Background Check. If you have the resources to check around on the lessors history, do so. It would be best to know the type of landlord you will be having.

Colored Carpets Based on your Room Theme

It is the dream of any home owner to implement the perfect blend of paint and the elements in a room but the problem with some is that they are hard to come by. Never has anyone found a perfect blend of mixing paint that matches rug color to perhaps walls and entire room furnishings such as the bed, cabinets and tables until Wear-Dated came along.

“An important aspect of our color forecasts is that a consumer can use them to create their own color palette,” says Ann Hurley, creative manager for color and product for Wear-Dated carpet fiber. “We want consumers to infuse their homes with color, and we hope that our tools inspire them.”

So now that Wear Dated has surfaced, home owners who remodel or are in the stages of designing their own homes have lesser things to worry about. Check out Wear-Dated and throw those colored worries away!

(Source) PR Log

Real Estate Fraud Gets out of Hand

Crisis is something that is upon us and if we are not careful on how to deal with them, we may end up with a double black-eye in the process. Real estate and mortgage issues are one of the leading problems we have to face today and apparently most people have to be careful with the people they are dealing with.

If we as individuals are having trouble these days dealing with the growing pains of financial burdens, others are using it as an opportunity to con and cheat people out of their money and property. While many would play savior and offer some help for us to survive these financial crisis we find ourselves in, it would be best to properly analyze the whole situation since we may very well end up being the biggest losers in the end with totally nothing to show.

How to Turn to Cheap and Unique House Refurnishing

Whether you are starting a brand new phase of life or bored of the same look around, you will definitely want to change the decor of your house. Redecorating the house is easy if you have a specific goal in mind. You should have an idea about how exactly you want the new decor to look. This article will not only give you tips on home redecoration, but also help you achieve your goal within a small budget.

Maybe you have a traditional decor and you want to make it feel more contemporary. Maybe your house is more of a bachelor pad and you feel the need for a more formal ambience. Whatever the case, study each of the rooms in your house and try to understand what is making your rooms look renovation worthy. Is your house too cluttered with many living room furniture pieces? Do you want your home to look formal? Would you prefer a soothing environment in your house or an energizing one? Once you have understood what is wrong with your current decorations and decided exactly how you want the newly decorated house to look, the process of refurnishing will get much easier.

Now you must think about the changes you need in the color settings. Often the simplest and cheapest way of changing the look of the house is to change the wall colors. A boring room can get an instant uplift with a pop of colors. These days you can even get wall colors with beautiful textures that make their own style statement. You may not even need wall decorations if you choose the wall color smartly. As you decide about your color choices and other arrangements for each room, keep a notepad and pen with you and jot down all your preferences. This will keep you from getting confused later.

Spending a Memorable Evening by the Fireplace

For most people, a simple stay in their own condominium unit or house living room is all that may be needed to savor a relaxing and enjoyable time. Sitting by the usual fireplace and other furnishings found in this part of a unit will be a recharging site, especially for people who put emphasis on quality time outside the everyday hazards of earning a living.

A home is the investment to which people would want to retire in some day. While such would be a dream for most people, it is best to build on invested homes initially and then lean towards casual improvements and enhancements as time permits along with the usual costs for applying them.

Chandeliers, lighting fixtures, side tables, vanity finishes, floorings and wallpapers replacements are only some of the usual maintenance proceedings that people will surely consider at any given point of the property’s existence. The overall value of the home would usually be appreciated in costing and sight, since improvements are what puts additional values towards a bare home.