First time homeowners: Clean house naturally with inexpensive improvements
(ARA) - You narrowed the long house-hunting search down to your favorite option, made an offer the homeowners couldn't refuse, and are well-positioned to take advantage of that $8,000 first-time home buyer federal housing tax credit. All that's left to do is move in.

Put the 'dream' back in your dream home
(ARA) - Remember how you felt when you first bought your home? It was a dream come true. Since then, your dreams and needs have changed and maybe you're feeling it's time to move. Unfortunately, the real estate market is not cooperating and you face either selling at a loss, or not being able to sell at any price.

Asphalt shingles add value, beauty and durability to roofs
(ARA) - With national home prices still 30 percent below 2006 levels, homeowners are looking for affordable ways to boost the value of their homes without breaking the bank.

Have a warmer winter with more money in your wallet

Lower your energy costs with an insulated garage door
(ARA) - A leaky, un-insulated garage door may not be an obvious culprit in rising monthly utility bills, but it's worth a second look if you have an attached garage.

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.

Need a new roof? What you should know about roofing systems
(ARA) - Fall is prime time to put a new roof on your home. But before you spring into action, there are a few things you should know. Most importantly, buying new shingles without the rest of the roofing system is like buying a car with no engine.

Can't sell? Wary of being a landlord? Try corporate housing instead
(ARA) - The housing market is making it hard for many homeowners to sell. Yet the alternative - becoming a landlord and renting out your house - isn't always appealing. A growing number of savvy homeowners are pursuing a third option, renting out their homes as corporate housing.

Bland walls? Fast fix-ups that are perfect for fall
(ARA) - When the weather cools and the bright sun of summer fades into autumn's grayer skies, bare bland walls can feel like an ugly mark on your home's decor. Suddenly, those undecorated walls that you were too busy to notice this past summer cry out for color and pizzazz - especially if you're dealing with economy-induced stress.

Updating home pays off whether selling or staying put
(ARA) - Whether you are thinking about selling your home or planning to stay put a few more years, some simple updates with an eye on detail can make a big impact both visually and financially.

Modern skylights fill your home with natural light and fresh air
(ARA) - When it comes to brightening and freshening your home, it's smart to use natural light and passive ventilation. Unlike earlier plastic bubble skylights that faded and leaked, modern glass skylights are dependable and offer nearly endless options for functional decorating.

Skylights: Green lighting and venting alternative for your home
(ARA) - Nothing beats Mother Nature's gentle touch for providing comforting natural light and healthful passive ventilation in your home. Modern skylights work with the environment to admit healthful daylight and fresh air, while silently venting stale air.

Arm yourself against the flu
(ARA) - The flu seems to be top-of-mind right now for almost everyone, especially moms. And while many moms are taking extra measures this year to protect kids from both seasonal flu and H1N1, they may neglect getting their own flu shot. With kids, husbands, schools, friends, communities and employers depending on moms for so much, it's more important than ever for moms to get vaccinated against seasonal flu this year.