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Seven Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

In recognition of Hurricane Preparedness Week, which began May 24, the American Bankers Association is encouraging customers to prepare for hurricane season by assessing their home’s risk and developing emergency plans to protect against a potential storm. “It’s critical for both customers and banks to understand their vulnerabilities and prepare accordingly during hurricane season,” said […]
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Texas Family’s Replica of ‘The Munsters’ House Is Creepy and Amazing

Some people like TV….and I mean…really like TV! Sandra and Chuck McKee from Waxahachie, Texas are some of those people. In 2012, the couple recreated one of their favorite family homes that they now actually live in. Welcome to their very own Munsters house! From the home’s massive staircase, suit of armor, and the storm shelter that doubles […]
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Buying a Home with No Credit? Probably Not

(TNS)—Some financial gurus say consumers should live 100 percent debt-free. No credit cards. No car loans. No debt of any kind for any reason. That might seem like smart advice until the question of buying a home comes up. Then, the debt-free life can become problematic. In 2014, only 5 percent of first-time homebuyers purchased […]
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8 Patio Upgrades That Will Add Sparkle to Your Summer

Looking to upgrade your patio this summer? Consider the following DIY upgrades and come June, you’ll be sipping mimosas on your newly pimped out patio. Pizza oven. Make a summer tradition with Friday night pizzas, courtesy of your new outdoor pizza oven. You can purchase one ready to go, or for you weekend warriors, go […]
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How Much Would Your Favorite TV Homes Cost in Real Life?

From Roseanne Conner’s home in the fictional Lanford, Ill. to the Dunphy’s gorgeous space in West Los Angeles, Calif., it’s fun to imagine what the real-life homes of our favorite families from television history would’ve cost. (There’s no question Phil Dunphy found himself a great deal—he is a REALTOR® after all!) To estimate the cost of these […]
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Avoiding Deadly Hidden Dangers In Your Home

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 2,385 Americans died from residential fires in 2012. Unfortunately over 20,000 people are poisoned by carbon monoxide each year and an unknown number of Americans become ill from toxic molds, often without a diagnosis. Fortunately many of these types of disasters are preventable if homeowners take simple […]
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5 Home Upgrades to Consider This Season

When it comes to home improvement, the options are endless. While many homeowners have their sights set on a huge overhaul (hello five-star kitchen complete with the latest and greatest appliances and gadgets), simple home updates that can be completed in a timely manner—without breaking the bank—typically offer the best return on your investment. If you’re […]
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Getting Feedback from Boss Who’s on the Way Out

(TNS)—Q: I work for a small company that doesn’t have a lot of formal processes. My boss is retiring, and, while I know he has been happy with my work, there’s no formal documentation of my performance. I’m concerned that my new boss won’t have a good starting point to base her opinion of me […]
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As with Love, First Impressions Matter in Home Sales

(TNS)—Just as every house has a personality—whether it’s a ranch, bungalow, Queen Anne, Tudor, Cape Cod or any other architectural style — the landscape that surrounds it has a personality, too, especially out front. There are formal gardens — neatly trimmed and fertilized lawns, tightly manicured evergreens and plenty of straight lines. There are cottage […]
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Homeownership Linked to Happiness

Based on data from the OECD Better Life Index, homeownership in the U.S. can lead to higher levels of subjective well-being. Translation: homeownership is linked to happiness. The Better Life Index gauges worldwide development, zeroing in on quality of life indicators that affect global progress – housing, jobs, civic engagement, health and safety, to name […]