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Luxury vinyl tile provides everyday design with durability
Natural stone and ceramic tile floors have great design, architectural and sculptural qualities. But they can be expensive, hard to clean, cold to walk on and not very durable. So imagine transforming your aging flooring with the look of rich travertine, limestone, concrete, slate or ceramic tiles, but without the cost or frailty of these lavish coverings.
 
What stays? What goes? Tips for newlyweds moving in
Today's marriages are occurring later in life. Couples must decide whose couch stays and tally how many flat-screen TVs they want to bring to their new home. Experts offer tips to help couples address the challenges associated with combining households.
 
Sticking to a budget? Tips for affordable and easy home upgrades
Living on a budget is the norm, rather than the exception, in the current economy. Whether you're trying to entice potential homebuyers or just want to give your living space a quick spruce up, here are a few tips for making a big impact in the look of your home without breaking the bank.
 
Maximize rental profits by balancing corporate and vacation tenants
Landlords don't have to choose between marketing their property as a vacation or corporate rental. Rather, landlords of furnished properties can service both markets and capitalize on seasonal and economic trends.
 
Four simple projects to help sell your home fast
You may have noticed an increase in the number of "for sale" signs around your neighborhood, and for good reason: Studies show that home listings increase this time of year, as homeowners want to get their families settled before the next school year begins. If you are thinking of selling your home in today's tough market, the experts recommend completing a few projects that will help your home look its best and stand out from the crowd.
 
The 'keys' to homeownership
"It's a buyer's market" is a popular headline right now. It's one that's hard to ignore, especially if you're a young adult or even a long-time renter who has been waiting for the right time to pursue the American dream of owning your own home.
 
Lead-safe renovation - what homeowners need to know
Because some common remodeling practices can stir up lead paint and prove dangerous to a family's health, it's important for you to learn about a contractor's lead-safe practices before delving into such projects.
 
How to sell your house online
The Internet has made the process of buying and selling homes easier and more streamlined than ever. Many homeowners are foregoing traditional methods altogether, focusing solely on the Web. These tips will teach you how to utilize your Internet connection to list, market and sell your house.
 
Create 'curb appeal' with easy home projects
Whether you're selling your home and want the best price, or you just want to be the envy of the neighborhood, creating "curb appeal" can be very rewarding. And you're confident you know what constitutes great curb appeal - siding, windows, doors and a lawn that are all in good shape. But is that all you have to think about when it comes to curb appeal?
 
Ten ways to improve your home's curb appeal
If you think having great curb appeal is only important if you're trying to sell your home, think again. Your house is one of your biggest investments and making a great first impression will leave everyone - not just potential buyers - wanting to see what's inside. With 10 simple improvements, you can easily transform your home into the best looking house on the block.
 
Technology makes house-hunting easier than ever
It's no secret that recent economic troubles have caused something of a "buyer's market" when it comes to real estate in the U.S. With more than 27,000,000 homes for sale as of May 2010, house hunting can be an overwhelming proposition.
 
Affordable ways to make your new house feel like home
Even though numbers are down, 35.2 million Americans changed residences in 2008, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau. There are many ways to make your new house feel like home sooner than later.
 
Summer living: creating the perfect attic bedroom
For many people, the attic is where all of the "I don't know what to do with this" items go. However, homeowners forget that a finished attic can be usable living space. And, whether you're trying to increase the appeal of your home before selling, or simply adapting to a growing family, an attic bedroom can be an excellent upgrade to your home.
 
Kitchen, bath renovations remain tops, but go lean and green
When it comes to adding value and enjoyment to your home, kitchen and bath remodels still remain tops, remodeling and real estate experts say. But how people remodel is changing. High-end renovations, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are dwindling, replaced by upgrades that provide homeowners with the most return for the least investment.
 
How a garage door can improve the appearance of your home's exterior
With warm weather months here, it's the perfect season for the annual ritual of performing a spruce up around your home. Planting gardens, improving the look of your lawn and maybe applying a fresh coat of paint to the window trims are on your to-do list. An appealing exterior offers an invaluable first impression to neighbors, friends, and - if you're trying to sell, which many do prior to the beginning of school in the fall - perspective buyers.
 
Weighing the costs of walking away from an upside-down mortgage
Owing more on your mortgage than your house is worth may seem like a bad investment. But the alternative - choosing to default on your mortgage even if you can afford the monthly payments - will take a significant toll on your credit rating.
 
Selling a house? Tips for attracting buyers with good scents
Can a potential buyer be compelled to make a big purchase if a pleasant background fragrance appeals to their senses and breaks down their defenses? Real estate agents and home sellers these days are widely banking on it.
 
Simple accessory switches can lighten your decor for summer days
Replacing dark accessories with brighter, lighter ones is a fast, easy way to lighten the mood in your home. Re-accessorize the right way - spend your redecorating dollars on items that will give you the most impact for the lowest monetary investment. Here are a few ideas from some home decor experts to get you started.
 
Must-have insurance information for new homeowners
Once the excitement of buying a new home begins to subside, the reality of protecting that home from the unexpected needs to be addressed. A home is likely to be your biggest investment ever.
 
Bathroom design: It's all in the details
It's most likely one of the top reasons you've been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel -- you're not sure where to begin. So what should you look for when you're planning your next bath or powder room project?
 
Creative tips for selling your house in a down market
The housing market in the U.S. has done a 180. What was once one of the most booming sectors of the economy has become one of the most depressed. And while there have been glimmers of a revitalizing housing market, homeowners still need to be more creative than ever in selling their homes.
 
Quick Poll
An elderly Duplin County woman was raped recently. Does the heinous nature of that crime justify to you bringing back public lynchings?

 
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