A retirement home that helps pay for itself
(ARA) - With today's record low real estate prices and attractive mortgage rates, now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement. By taking a "buy-and-rent" approach before you're ready to retire, your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time you're ready to move into it.

Five surprising facts about fireplaces
(ARA) - When it comes to creating ambiance and warmth in a home, nothing can beat a fireplace, especially during this time of year. But are you aware that the right fireplace or stove can also help reduce your heating costs? Or that your existing fireplace's efficiency can be boosted significantly by installing an insert, and for less money than you might think?

Facing tighter budgets, more homeowners are rethinking remodeling
(ARA) - With more Americans downsizing their household budgets, larger-scale renovation projects are out and frugal remodeling is in. And when it comes to saving money, experts say home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency are among the best investments to deliver paybacks -- now and in the future.

Top 5 improvements for spring home sellers
(ARA) - To get your home sold at a good price in a buyer's market, you need to know what to invest in - and what not to invest in.

Add value, living space and enjoyment with a finished basement
(ARA) - Economists predict the worst of the recession is over, but the housing market still has a way to go to complete recovery. It pays to think positively and improve your home, both to boost its value as the market recovers, and to enhance its livability for your family now.

Debunking the myth of the 'leaky' skylight
(ARA) - Why is it that homeowners who wouldn't hesitate to cut a hole in the wall where they want a new window think twice about cutting a hole in the roof for a skylight? For many, the answer is simply "fear of springing a leak."

City chic: Incorporate city style into your Main Street home
(ARA) - When you look out your window, what do you see: the cool gray steel of high-rise buildings ... or vast, open expanses of green land? You don't have to stick to an interior style that mimics your surroundings; especially if it doesn't suit your taste.

Understanding your credit opens the door to home-buying success
(ARA) - With many signs pointing to the beginnings of a recovery in the housing market, potential home buyers can still find plenty of selection, low prices and low interest rates. If you're thinking of buying a home, now might be the right time, but before you contact a real estate agent or apply for a mortgage, your top priority should be checking your credit report to see if your credit is in good shape.

Make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood
(ARA) - Curb appeal is something homeowners always have tucked into the back of their minds, even if they aren't planning on selling or moving any time soon.

Debunking common floor care misconceptions
(ARA) - Whether it's the dog tracking in mud or the kids carrying in dirt and leaves, there are many ways floors can become dirty and unattractive. Unfortunately, for many people the process they use to clean their wood flooring might be doing more harm than good.

Break out of your color comfort zone this winter
(ARA) - At first thought, winter might not conjure up words like spicy, bold or sunny. It should, though, at least when it comes to the inside of your home. While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it.

Selling your home? Easy improvements to attract buyers
(ARA) - Real estate pros often coach their clients on the value of making "curb appeal" improvements to help sell their homes. Outside painting and minor repairs signal that the house has been well cared for.

The home improvement that can 'green' your winter
(ARA) - Spring and summer needn't be the only seasons of "green." In fact, winter is a great time to green your home, especially if you undertake improvements that deliver environmental, economic, emotional and physical health benefits. Adding a skylight delivers all those green pluses - and it's doable even during winter.

Tips to protect your home from severe weather
(ARA) - When people think of winterizing their homes, most often their heating bills spring to mind - along with insulation and weather stripping. The winter months bring not only high energy bills, but also an increased chance of certain kinds of damage to your home and its contents.