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How Clean Is the Air in Your Home or Office?

With never-ending news stories about the poor air quality in cities and depressing gray pictures of smoggy skylines, it’s no wonder that most Americans assume that their indoor air quality is better than the quality outdoors. However, the quality of indoor air is, on average, two to five times worse than that of outdoor air, […]
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5 Pros and 5 Cons of Homeowners’ Associations

Across the U.S., homeowners’ associations are on the ascent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 59 percent of newly constructed homes in 2014 were part of a homeowners’ association. That’s up from 46 percent in 2009. So, what’s the draw of homeowners’ associations? By the same token, what are the drawbacks? “A well-run and managed HOA […]
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‘Haunted’ Homeowners Sue Makers of ‘The Conjuring’

What’s more terrifying than living in a haunted house? Living in a haunted house that strangers are constantly trying to break into. This is the case for Norma Sutcliffe and Gerald R. Helfrich , the owners of the “haunted” home that inspired the 2013 film “The Conjuring.” The filmmakers behind the haunted flick positioned the story […]
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Your Place: Some Professional Tips for Clearing the Air

(TNS)—October is National Indoor Air Quality Month, so I thought I would share a few thoughts from Broan Nu-Tone, a manufacturer of home-ventilation products. Of course, it’s a good idea to spend the entire year in a clean-air environment. For those with allergies, that’s especially true. A member of my family once had a violent […]
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Why Some Homeowners Are No Longer Cool with Backyard Pools

(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, […]
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How to Choose the Perfect City for Your Vacation Home

Purchasing a vacation home is a great way to ensure that you always have a place to escape, without worrying about crammed hotel rooms and the inconvenience of living out of a suitcase for a week. When you own a vacation home, you can pack and leave at your convenience, because you always have a […]
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5 Smart Home Products We’re Not Sure We Need

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 […]
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Ghost Towns: America’s Most Haunted ZIP Codes

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 […]
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Spray Foam Insulation Has Many Uses, but Here’s where It’ll Really Shine

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 […]
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The Top 7 Emerging Food Capitals in the U.S.

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, […]