Month: April 2014
(BPT) - As temperatures rise and the economy shows signs of improvement, many Americans are warming to the idea of making major life changes. For many, spring is the season for getting married and shopping for new cars or homes. Big life changes can me...
(BPT) - May 1 kicks off National Barbecue Month and the beginning of the season for families to gather and enjoy more memorable meals together outside.Across the nation, from the Carolinas to the California coast, barbecue has never been bigger. Barbec...
(BPT) - The warming weather is Mother Nature’s gentle reminder that it’s time for plants to wake up from their winter slumber and for homeowners to begin yard maintenance again. Being proactive and preparing in the spring for the long growi...
(BPT) - Spring is traditionally the busiest home-buying season of the year. And this year, with the housing market and economy finally starting to show signs of resurgence, many consumers are looking to buy. But although location, school district and t...
(BPT) - When warm weather finally arrives, windows and skylights across the country will open as happy homeowners revel in sunshine and warm, fresh air. Before you can savor summer, you may want to take steps to ensure that your home's windows, skyligh...
(BPT) - When your spring cleaning is accomplished and the room sparkles, do you still feel as if something is missing? All the cleaning in the world can’t hide worn countertops, outdated appliances or uninspired cabinetry. If spring cleaning your...
(BPT) - When spring arrives, leaves, flowers and robins aren’t the only signs of warm weather to reappear. Spring also heralds the return of farmers markets. A trip to the market is a great opportunity to indulge in fresh healthy produce an...
(BPT) - More homeowners are keeping Mother Nature in mind when undertaking a renovation, addition or new construction. They're seeking building practices and materials that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. If you're among these groups...
(BPT) - The saying is that you shouldn’t marry the person you can live with, but the person you can’t live without. But while you may be ready to share your life with someone, you may quickly realize you aren’t willing to share everyt...
(BPT) - After a winter of frigid temperatures and record snowfalls, the nation now faces the spring thaw and long, rainy months. Flood season is officially here - is your home ready for it?Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United State...
(BPT) - Four hundred gallons – that’s how much water the average American home uses in a day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Is it any wonder? You turn on the tap to get a drink and run the water until it feels cool, or l...
(BPT) - First impressions happen at the curb. A good first impression raises the value of your home and pride in home ownership. If you are considering listing your home, it’s important that its curb appeal entices potential buyers to come inside...
(BPT) - Hairdryers, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes and picks. Shaving utensils, makeup, styling products and perfumes. The collection of grooming and beauty tools cluttering the bathroom vanity can quickly overwhelm everything, making the space unus...
(BPT) - With warm weather in sight, it’s time to celebrate the return of sun, travel and outdoor parties. Whether taking a break from the workday to enjoy the park or hosting an event for friends, there are many ways to bask in the warmth.Lunch i...
(BPT) - As temperatures warm across the country, many homeowners will begin thinking about home improvement. Adding a deck or replacing an old one is a popular project in spring and summer – one that provides outdoor entertaining space and enhanc...
(BPT) - Whether you're staying in place or planning to take advantage of an improving real estate market to sell your home, spring and summer are upgrade seasons. From adding a bathroom to creating an outdoor kitchen, certain improvements pay off for b...
(BPT) - With many real estate industry watchers predicting 2014 will be a seller's market, you may think you won't need to do much to sell your home this spring. Not so fast - while more buyers are likely to be competing for homes, that doesn't mean th...
(BPT) - Each week, the average person spends between 10 and 20 hours doing yard work and other tasks around the home, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While necessary, these routine tasks don’t exactly fit neatly into today’s bu...
(BPT) - All signs point to a hearty real estate market this summer. Experts say more inventory will be available and buyers will have an easier time getting mortgages, all of which means more competition among sellers.If you plan to put your home on th...
(BPT) - Spring is a great time to re-side your house, whether to increase your home's value or to replace damaged siding but be sure to evaluate all your siding options. Not all residential siding exteriors perform the same.Weather attacks a home's sid...