Tag: Today’s Home Spun Wisdom

(TNS)—For more than 25 years, a kidney-shaped pool sparkled behind Paul Chen’s Los Angeles-area home. But last month, Chen joined a growing group of Southern Californians who have paid thousands of dollars to swap their backyard oasis for what Chen acknowledges is an “ugly” pile of dirt. “The drought was my main concern,” says Chen, […]

From learning thermostats to garage-opening apps, there’s no doubt smart home devices have brought convenience to our doorstep – but we’re willing to bet many aren’t nearly as practical as they seem. Below, we’ve rounded up some recent innovations that are more oddity than necessity. Could these be the smart home solutions we never knew […]

With the holiday of haunt right around the corner, RealtyTrac took a look at a segment of properties where the haunting may hit too close to home for neighbors and potential buyers. More than 22,000 single family homes nationwide are vacant and have a homeowner who is now deceased, according to an analysis of public […]

The fall season brings with it memorable events and tasty treats. Freshly harvested local apples, pumpkin treats galore and Halloween festivities are just a few. Getting creative with your Halloween parties and local trick or treat night means coming up with ingenious creations. While Pinterest may provide inspiration for a few clever decorations made out […]

Willing to travel for good food? Booking.com recently announces the top 7 emerging food capitals in the U.S. New data according to the experts – Booking.com travelers – confirms several U.S. cities that are pushing New York, San Francisco and New Orleans off their perch. “There’s no doubt that there’s something exciting about discovering the newest, […]

Ever wondered what it’d be like to live in a haunted house? Skip the ghost tour and buy one of these haunted listings, perfect for those unafraid of sharing space with the supernatural. Ann Starrett Mansion Port Townsend, Wash. $750,000 Overlooking Puget Sound, the Queen Anne-style Ann Starrett Mansion is reportedly haunted by a red-headed […]

There were nearly 17 million victims of identity theft in 2014, according to the Department of Justice. With those numbers, consumers have plenty to be concerned about. An online survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) has taken a look at levels of consumer awareness related to identity theft, and reveals how concerned […]

(TNS)—Batman bib-and-booties costume for $14.99 caught the eye of Joanna Robles as she searched for something for her months-old son to wear while she holds him as she hands out candy on Halloween. “His dad is really obsessed with superheroes,” Robles says while strolling through a Spirit Halloween store outside Los Angeles. In the next […]

“Comps” – or recent comparable sales – give real estate practitioners and appraisers the information they need to price a home at fair-market value. Though comparable data are clear-cut to a professional, how many sellers understand the various tangibles and intangibles that inform these comparisons? If the gap between seller perception and appraiser opinion is […]

For a home to remain in good shape throughout the winter it needs regular care and attention. When a home is occupied, many of the things that are necessary to keep it in good working order happen by default. But when the home is vacant, it is up to the owner or the property manager […]