Lifestyle & Trends - Real Estate

Planning spring home improvements? How to find the right contractor

You've got a list of spring home improvements to do, a vision for getting them done, and you even have a budget. Now all you need is someone to do the work; it's time to hire a contractor. Yet even the best-laid home improvement plans can go awry if you hire the wrong person or company to do the job. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can help ensure you choose the right contractor.

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How your credit score can impact the purchase of a home

Purchasing a home can be the most rewarding - and also the most frustrating - financial transaction of your life. Especially today, when the news is filled with stories about the great market conditions for buyers. One aspect of the home buying process that's often overlooked is the extra cost that interest from a home loan adds to the total price of the home.

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How to know which homes for sale will appreciate the fastest

Given the recent decline in home values, more people than ever are wondering what they can do to ensure the home they buy will hold its value. When you're searching for your dream home, you're probably looking at things like the number of bathrooms, how the kitchen is configured and the size of the yard. While the tangible aspects of a home will greatly affect a home's potential for appreciation, you're also probably aware that the brick-and-mortar specifications are only part of what determines its value.

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Small, quick repairs have a big impact on your home's curb appeal - and value

As the weather continues to warm, you might be thinking about some of the home improvement projects you put on the back burner during the winter. It's the perfect time to think about a few small projects that can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal.

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Five renovations to make an even bigger splash with your backyard pool

If you added a pool to your home in the past few years, or moved into a house with an existing pool, you may wonder what more you can do to enhance the value and enjoyment your pool brings to your home and family. You may even think there's not much you can do beyond keeping it clean and well maintained. Fortunately, some simple upgrades and renovations can help you enjoy your investment even more.

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Lifestyle Trends