From Realtor Magazine Jan 02, 2015. Pending home sales inched up in November, moving above year-over-year levels for the third consecutive month, according to the National Association of Realtors® latest Pending Home Sales Index report. The index is a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings. All regions saw a slight gain in sales activity in November, except for the Midwest, NAR reports. Nationwide, the index ticked up 0.8 percent to

Repairing an old, faulty appliance may seem like the cheaper option, but this may not be the best strategy when we think about energy efficiency. A key reason electric bills are so high is because old, inefficient appliances are eating up more energy than they are worth. “Knowing how much energy your appliances use annually can be a great money saver,” says Molly Hall, Executive Director of the Energy Education

In winter many of us use space heaters or electric blankets to lower costs. These are a simple solution for the cold, but must be used properly to prevent fires (Harvard says space heaters case 25,000 home fires a year, and 6,000 emergency room visits). Safe Electricity offers these tips for safely using space heaters and electric blankets. Choose a product with a safety certification. Look for the UL, ETL,

The polar vortex has descended with a vengeance on much of the U.S. this year, setting records for low temperatures and threatening to send utility bills skyrocketing. While you can’t do anything about the chilly weather, you can take steps to make your home more energy efficient and pay less for heating. To start, the U.S. Department of Energy has a do-it-yourself energy audit on its website, or you can

Yahoo.com lists seven new products from Quirky, all under $100, and all packed with electronics that can help you control your home from your smartphone. The smart products include a sensor that can tell you whenever a door or window in your home has been opened or closed; a thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature in each room, based on the temperature in other rooms; and a gizmo that lets

Status: Leased Executive Lease! Gorgeous “Astoria” designed family home (2643 sq ft) available for a 1yr lease.  Stunning 4 Bedrm home with separate Living and Dining rooms, both with coffered ceilings & gleaming hardwood flrs.  Sharp bright Kitchen with “chocolate” toned cabinets, moveable island & oodles of cabinetry.  Stainless Fridge, stove & dishwasher. W/D is included too. Patio doors to yard. Family rm is open to the Dinette and all

Oh Tannenbaum! The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers. Each year more than 4 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. and Canada. All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts. Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. and Canada since 1850. According to the Guinness world records, the tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-foot

In a November 26th article RealtorMag says, “The housing market has seen plenty of challenges the last few years, but could brighter days be ahead? Based on recent housing reports, some markets are reporting a rosier picture now than for the first half of the year — and growing optimism heading into next year for a lasting turnaround .”  They give five market gauges that many in the real estate

With the winter holiday travel season approaching and a steady increase of crime in North America, home safety is a big concern these days. When leaving your home, whether going to the store, out to dinner or for a visit to Grandma’s, the following advice could pay big, big dividends. A residence that presents a “lived-in” appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar

Consumer Reports answers the following questions: What’s the cheapest type of heating fuel? Do I need to get my duct work cleaned? How often should I have my heating system serviced? What’s the best way to deal with drafts? How can I tell whether I have enough insulation? Can I use a space heater in a bathroom?and What should I set my thermostat to during the winter?