(ARA) – With the real estate market yet to rebound from its dramatic plunge and credit still tight, housing figures show that more homeowners are staying put. But that doesn’t mean they’re sitting idly by. People are investing in affordable home upgrades that not only make an immediate impact, but make their property more attractive should they decide to put it on the market later. 

“Today, when it comes to upgrades for your home, it’s all about bang for the buck. Homeowners are looking for the best return on investment as well as simple, inexpensive ways to make dramatic improvements to their homes,” says Leigh Brown, real estate broker in Charlotte, N.C. “Outdoor living spaces, landscaping, decks and patios all make a big difference — not only in how comfortable your current home is now, but how buyers see it when you’re ready to sell.” 

The trend in outdoor living space has moved toward creating outdoor living “rooms,” and the options available to homeowners have grown with the number of available products on the market. 

“When you’re looking at homes in a certain price range, you tend to see a lot of the same things. The features that make a home stand out and make people want to live there are often the outdoor spaces,” Brown says. 

Chris Fox, marketing manager for Universal Forest Products of Grand Rapids, Mich., says his company’s outdoor living products, including composite lumber decking and deck and fence accessories, have continued to sell well in this economy, even as new construction has slowed. 

“Our decking products, such as Latitudes Composite Decking, continue to be desirable for homeowners who are staying put and updating their existing homes rather than moving. Deck updates and upgrades are projects that make sense in this economy and that create added value for the future, as well as enjoyment and added living space for right now,” Fox says. 

Composite decking products are low maintenance and eco-friendly. Latitudes is made from 70 percent recycled materials. Brown says “green” home improvements can make a difference when buyers are comparing properties. 

Homeowners who already have decks find that swapping out balusters or adding decorative post caps or lights can also make a dramatic difference that adds beauty as well as value to their outdoor living space. 

Deckorators offers aluminum and glass balusters in a variety of styles to accent virtually any architectural look. Deck railing balusters can be installed on a new deck or can be used to update the look of an old one. 

“In neighborhoods where every home has a deck, the nicer decks sell the home faster. Typically, it’s about the details even more than the size. Designer rails, lights and finishes make all the difference,” Brown says. 

Dino Perelli, a real estate agent who specializes in lake property in Texas, says that deck and dock upgrades are one way his clients are setting their properties apart from the many others on the market. 

“Homes are sitting on the market longer, and that causes property owners to look for things they can do to set their property apart. In our area, that means adding more living space to docks or replacing tired-looking wood decks with long-lasting composite material,” Perelli says. 

Whether looking to update an existing home for personal enjoyment or preparing it for sale, outdoor living spaces present opportunities for improvement. Turning a generic deck into an inviting and attractive space to spend time sets a home apart, which is what real estate experts say home buyers will look for when the real estate market improves. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Going Green at the Grill Is Easy, Tastes Great and Helps Saves the Planet One Bite at a Time

(ARA) – Each spring, millions of grilling enthusiasts dust off the grill in anticipation of another fun-filled summer of backyard barbecues. But at what cost to the environment? According to Sierra magazine, the estimated 60 million barbecues held on the Fourth of July alone in the U.S. consume enough energy — in the forms of charcoal, lighter fluid, gas and electricity — to power 20,000 households for a year.    

If this statistic has your grilling outlook going from sunny to overcast, don’t panic. It’s quite easy to minimize your environmental impact while grilling by taking a few simple steps that won’t diminish your grilling experience. Yes, you too can grill green, and these simple tips will help you get your grill on while keeping Mother Earth on your good side. After all, charcoal has been in use since the days of Henry Ford, but you’re not still driving a Model T, are you? 

One of the biggest factors in grilling green is the fuel source used to grill. All grilling fuels use natural resources and emit pollutants into the environment, but some do so at a much greater cost than others. Charcoal grills and lighter fluid contribute more to ground-level ozone, which is produced when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals combine in hot weather conditions. In addition, charcoal produces more carbon monoxide and particulates than other grilling options. 

Though gas grills offer one of the quickest ways to barbecue, the grills can be expensive to purchase, liquid propane gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel and many a barbecue have been put on hold due to empty propane tank syndrome. But charcoal and gas aren’t the only fuel sources to consider when grilling. Recent innovations in the industry have opened the door to a greener grilling experience. 

One such innovation is the FlameDisk — a charcoal alternative made from solid ethanol, a renewable biofuel. Food grilled on the FlameDisk tastes just like it was grilled over charcoal, but using this eco-friendly grill fuel emits 99 percent less carbon monoxide and 91 percent fewer VOCs than grilling with charcoal. Plus the by-products created when ethanol is burned include only water and a modest amount of carbon dioxide. 

And unlike lighter fluid and propane gas, the FlameDisk is not derived from non-renewable petroleum. Wood is another green grill fuel option, but like charcoal it burns dirty, producing tiny soot particles that pollute the air and can cause health problems. However, unlike charcoal, the ash from wood can be disposed of in your garden, and is a greener option when obtained from a sustainable source like hickory or mesquite. 

Your selection of grilling accessories also determines how much impact your grilling experience has on the environment. Not only can using real plates and silverware add some class to your next cookout, you’ll be reducing your waste by steering clear of the paper and plastic. In addition, many highly biodegradable disposable options have recently become available on the market. If you’re wrapping food in aluminum foil, consider using 100 percent recycled aluminum. Cleanup can be both easy and green when you use natural cleaners, many of which you can make safely and affordably in your own kitchen using common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and water. 

While charcoal reigned supreme in the days of Henry Ford, there’s no reason the modern day barbecue can’t save the earth one burger or tofu dog at a time. While no one expects you to cook your next turkey with a solar oven, it’s just good sense to consider grilling green as an eco-friendly barbecue option in the 21st century. While it might not be as green as switching over to a hybrid car, any reduction in your carbon footprint can make a difference over time. So move over charcoal, here comes something greener! 

For more information on the FlameDisk and how you can grill green this summer, go to www.FlameDisk.com. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – With the revised first-time homebuyer federal income tax credit currently in effect, now is the perfect time to consider making that big purchase, your first home. 

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments a person can make, but first-time homebuyers and qualified return buyers are in an ideal position to take advantage of unique opportunities in the market, such as low interest rates and the choice among an abundance of for sale homes,” says Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer for ERA Real Estate. 

But before you sign on the dotted line, ERA Real Estate, one of the world’s leading residential franchise networks, offers some helpful tips to ease the transition into homeownership. 

Learn about the first-time homebuyer federal income tax credit 

If you are considering purchasing your first home, or have not owned for at least three years, learn the parameters of the temporary first-time homebuyer tax credit, which is one of 10 provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009. According to FederalHousingTaxCredit.com — a consumer Web site created by the National Association of Home Builders — for those who qualify and purchase before Dec. 1, 2009, the bill provides a tax credit of up to $8,000, calculated at 10 percent of the purchase price. Unlike the previously available credit from 2008, the money does not have to be repaid, as long as the homebuyer does not resell the house for at least three years. “The tax credit can help make the American dream of homeownership a reality for potential buyers who previously could not afford the investment,” says Young. He adds that potential homebuyers should consult with a professional tax advisor for full details on how the tax credit may benefit them. 

Calculate what you can afford 

Before you start searching for your new home, know what you can afford. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, your total monthly mortgage payment — which includes principal, interest, taxes and insurance — should be about 29 percent of your monthly gross income. 

What you can afford is also based on, among other things, how large of a down payment you can make and how much money you can borrow. You can start estimating this figure by using an affordability or loan calculator found on the Internet. These calculators can help compute what may fit comfortably within your budget based on factors such as annual income, annual debts, interest rates and credit score. Though Internet calculators and statistics are good references, it is recommended that you consult a financial advisor to determine exactly how much you can afford. 

Choose a neighborhood 

After you determine your home buying budget, think about where you want to live. Are you going to stay in your current neighborhood, or do you want to hit the open road and start fresh? No matter what, you should thoroughly research the demographics of the area. Some additional factors to consider are how far you will be from work and shopping — and if you have children, do some careful research on schools. 

Make a wish list of needs and wants 

Early in the home-searching process, list your basic needs such as minimum square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, location and of course, the price you can afford. Web sites of leading real estate brands should have guided property searches that allow you to choose one or more of these criteria. If there are features that you would love to have in your home, but could live without, put them on your “want” list. This includes things like a pool, big yard, extra bedroom, etc. 

Work with an experienced real estate professional 

Searching for and purchasing your first home is an exciting experience, but it can be overwhelming. To help each step in the home buying process run smoothly, consider working with a seasoned real estate professional. Choosing a professional who is knowledgeable in your local and national markets, has access to the newest listings, and can help you negotiate prices, will increase the chances of finding your dream home. 

To locate a real estate professional in your area and to learn more about home buying and the first-time homebuyer tax credit, visit ERA.com. 

Click here if you are interested in building a new home from stock house plans.

Courtesy of ARAcontent 

Cashing in on the insulation tax credit is easy.

(ARA) – “What’s in it for me?” Homeowners will love the answer to that question as they learn more about the new federal economic stimulus bill. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, generally known as the stimulus package, offers special tax credit incentives to homeowners to encourage energy efficiency — the best part is it’s easy. 

Homeowners can get up to $1,500 maximum tax credit for energy efficient home improvement product expenditures. The tax credit is 30 percent of the cost of eligible products up to $5,000 total through 2010. The tax credit applies to products that make improvements to the building envelope, like adding insulation to attics, basements, crawl spaces, exterior walls and properly insulated HVAC systems, since those changes significantly impact energy efficiency. 

Search for house plans for new home construction at Family Home Plans

While the tax incentive within the stimulus package may seem complex and daunting, one company, Owens Corning, has made it simple and painless to claim the insulation tax credit. Homeowners can check out InsulationTaxCredit.com to: 
* Find insulation products that are eligible. 
* Download the Manufacturer’s Certificate needed to claim the credit. 
* Learn how much insulation should be added to areas of a home, see videos on how to install and get an estimate on how much can be saved in heating and cooling energy-related bills. 
* Find local stores to find eligible products and a local professional to do the installation. 
* Additional products that are eligible include windows and roofs that meet ENERGY STAR requirements. 

There are approximately 80 million under-insulated homes in the United States and despite major strides in increasing energy efficiency; homes continue to be one of the largest users of energy, consuming more energy than industry or transportation. It is estimated that properly insulating homes can help owners save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling related energy bills. Tax credits aside, insulation pays for itself over time in energy not used.

“The expansion of federal income tax credits for homeowners will enable more consumers to afford energy efficiency upgrades that will lower their home energy bills — which we project to reach about $2,200 per U.S. household this year — while increasing the comfort and lowering the carbon footprint of their homes,” says Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy. 

According to a report from the researches at the McKinsey Global Institute, almost a quarter of possible greenhouse gas reductions would result from measures such as better insulation in buildings that carry no net life cycle cost — in effect, they pay for themselves. That means homeowners can lower their energy costs and qualify for federal tax credits while helping the environment, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

“Homeowners can save twice with insulation — with up to 20 percent savings on their heating and cooling energy bills and a 30 percent tax credit,” says Gale Tedhams, director of sustainability, Owens Corning. “Thanks to the stimulus bill, homeowners have never had a better opportunity to make an immediate difference in the comfort and affordability of their home and help save the planet — and it is easy!” 

Courtesy of ARAcontent 

Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions and Save Money

(ARA) – Is your spring cleaning really as clean as you think it is? Spring cleaning is supposed to be a ritual of purging the accumulated dirt, germs and odor from a winter-weary home to create a clean and healthy living space. Unfortunately, the often caustic and toxic ingredients used in most conventional cleaning products can be just as harmful as the dirt and germs they are meant to eliminate.

Even some so-called natural cleansers can contain these same or similar nasty ingredients. And you would know this only if the manufacturer practices full disclosure of ingredients on its labels, which is not required on home care products. Think about it — when was the last time you saw a full ingredient listing on your spray cleaner?

The best way to make sure your living space is clean and healthy is to use safe, natural cleaning products you create yourself, using natural and inexpensive ingredients you can pick up at any natural grocery store. It’s cost-effective, not difficult and, like the task of spring cleaning itself, it’s satisfying and rewarding. You can craft your own, homespun versions of everything from carpet cleaner to furniture dusting polish — and have the satisfying assurance that you really are keeping your home green and clean.

Whether you’re shopping for prepared natural cleaning solutions or making your own, keep in mind that the word “aromatherapy” is now being applied to everything scented — from dishwashing liquid to laundry detergent. The true practice of aromatherapy relies on using pure essential oils extracted from plants. According to Tom Havran, aromatherapy product developer at Aura Cacia, “These natural plant essences nurture us on mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual levels.” He adds, “While house cleaning isn’t exactly a spiritual exercise, adding the effects and properties of essential oils to your homemade household products can enhance the experience and the effectiveness of your task.”

Essential oils have potent antimicrobial effects along with their clean, pleasant natural aromas. Here are a few “classic” homecare essential oils suggested by Mr. Havran: lemon (clean, sweet, uplifting scent; deodorizing), peppermint (minty, fresh; air purifier; mild pest repellent), and eucalyptus and tea tree (air and surface sanitizers; fresh, therapeutic aromas).

Tom also has a shopping list of key ingredients for making your own homecare products:

* Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) — Gently abrasive scouring powder, odor absorber and an excellent base for making your own cleaning preparations.

* Washing soda (sodium carbonate)

* Borax (sodium borate) — Natural mineral compound, laundry booster, multipurpose cleanser, fungicide/insecticide.

* White distilled vinegar (acetic acid)

* Liquid soap (sodium hydroxide) — Choose from vegetable oil-based soaps such as olive oil or sweet almond.

* Distilled water — Clean, distilled water acts as a better carrier and dirt solvent. Tap water will often contain salts and minerals that can lead to spotting and build-up.

* Essential oils

* Spray bottles

* Natural bristle scrubbing brushes

* Squeeze bottles

* Cotton dusting cloth

* Hemp or jute fiber scrubbing cloth

* Tote to put it all in

Follow these simple recipes for making your own basic homecare products:

Basic Spray Cleaner
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon sodium borate
1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
36 drops essential oil

Gentle Scouring Cream
1/2 cup baking soda
Liquid soap
18 drops essential oil

Add essential oils to baking soda and blend. Next, incorporate the liquid soap, several drops at a time, until a creamy paste forms.

Window Cleaner
2 cups water
3 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
36 drops essential oil

Wooden Furniture Polishing Oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
10 drops lemon essential oil

Carpet Deodorizing Powder
1 cup baking soda
18 drops essential oil

Carpet Cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid soap
18 drops essential oil

For more information and eco-friendly cleaning tips, visit www.auracacia.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent