“A man is not where he lives, but where he loves.”
-Latin Proverb
Tip of the Month
Updating your bathroom does not need to be as costly as you think. While a major renovation could cost thousands of dollars, there are many simple things you could do that can cost a few hundred dollars, or less!
If your bathroom is looking dingy or dated, try purchasing new showerheads, faucets and cabinet hardware. This can cost less than $150. Re-laminating countertops and cabinets is also relatively inexpensive and can save you quite a tidy sum. A gallon of paint ($20 or less) and fancier (but not high-priced) light fixtures can also breathe new life into the room. Choose neutral colors for permanent fixtures and add color by buying accessories, such as new towels, shower curtains, rugs or window treatments.
These can be great things to do for someone looking for an easy winter DIY project, or for homeowners looking to spruce up their home for sale on a budget.
Source: Home Decorating for Dummies, 2nd Edition by Katharine Kaye McMillan and Patricia Hart McMillan, Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2003.
Welcome to the February 2008 issue of “At Home with HouseHunt,” HouseHunt’s monthly consumer newsletter. It seems that the dawn of Spring is looming just above the horizon, but until then, we have just a little bit of weather to deal with for now. It’s long been established that the bigger the home, the better. However, that’s not so much the case anymore, as homes have shrunk in size over the past few decades. Make sure you take a look at our featured analysis this month looking at the emerging trend of Americans wanting smaller homes, but with plenty of features and amenities. As 2008 gets underway, we’re going to be waist deep in a buyer’s market. What does this mean for homeowners? Take a look at our story, “Gear Up for Spring Buyer’s Market,” to see for yourself! In today’s market, applying for a mortgage is trickier than ever, so before you fill out an application, make sure you’re honest with yourself in regard to your finances… as you could pay for it later on. Our article, “Honesty Is the Best Policy in Mortgage Applications,” should be a big help for people looking for mortgage information. It doesn’t take a real estate expert to see that homes are currently staying on the market longer, but that doesn’t mean that sellers are completely helpless. We’ve provided for you this month a list of 10 steps to help sellers in a stalling market. A blemish on a neighbor’s home can be one of the most frustrating aspects of owning a home. If you’re in this situation, you’d be wise to peruse our handy article, “Handling Your Neighborhood’s Blemish.” Finally, we offer some quick ways to update your bathroom on the cheap, and make sure you take advantage of our special recipe… perfect for Valentine’s Day. The HouseHunt Team - Information
you need for all your real estate needs
Will your decision to buy and/or sell real estate in 2008 be most affected by: (Choose one)
Whether single or attached, be sure to enjoy Valentine’s Day this year with this delicious, chocolaty recipe. Share it with your sweetheart or with your friends, but above all, share the love! more>>
As you may have seen in your own neighborhood, sellers are having a tough time of it. If you are planning to sell your home this year, follow these 10 steps from a recent Realty Times article to sell more quickly. more>>
What do you do if your home’s curb appeal isn’t the problem – it’s your neighbor’s? A recent MSN.com article discusses the importance of neighborhood curb appeal, and what to do about that eyesore next door. more>>
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