Should You Refinance
Now?
By Deanna Lynn Sletten
 With
interest rates dropping to an all-time
low, many homeowners are looking to
refinance their home mortgage. Considering
the average fixed-rate, 30-year mortgage
has been hovering below 5.0%, and a
fixed-rate, 15-year mortgage has been
in the mid 4.0% range, it is easy to
see why refinancing your mortgage is
desirable. However, there are a few
things to consider before you jump
on the... Read
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Unique Features Attract Buyers
By J. A. Young
 Whether
you play up an existing interior feature
or install something new simply for
effect, chances are that buyers will
both notice and remember unique extras
about your home. The idea is to demonstrate
how your home boasts special features
that other homes may not. Sometimes
even minor interior details, such as
a window seat or kitchen wainscoting,
can make a home more memorable and
attractive... Read
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Klutz-Proof Interior
Painting
By E. E. Kane
 Painting
the walls and trim of your home is
one of the easiest home improvement
projects, but without preparation it
can turn into a complete mess. If you
have a shaky past with a paintbrush
and roller, use these tips to make
your paint job look more professional.
Use the Right Supplies
Take it from a dyed-in-the-wool klutz:
shortcuts lead to messes. Choose the
right paint for the job... Read
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Use Baking Soda for
"Green" Cleaning
Courtesy of ARAcontent
 The
warmer weather has us flinging the
drapes open, pushing up the windows
and taking a deep breath of fresh air
into our lungs. It's time to shake
off winter's dust and give our homes
a shiny makeover.
Before hitting the stores for supplies,
take stock of what you've got at home.
Some common household products, like
Arm & Hammer baking soda, have
more uses than you might think and
can make cleaning your home simple
and cost-effective.
"There are endless ways to use
baking soda both in and outside the
home," says lifestyle expert Jill
Cordes... Read
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Blend Annuals with Perennials
By Keesa Renee DuPre
 In
the garden, balance is essential. The
height, color, growth habits, sunlight
and water requirements of different
plants must work together to create
a harmonious whole. One way of achieving
this balance is by blending annuals
and perennials in the same garden.
Annuals are short-lived plants that
tend to grow to maturity quickly—usually
in a few weeks. They are planted in
the spring, grow in the summer, and
die back at first frost in the fall.
Self-seeding annuals may create new
plants from seed next spring, but once
the plant dies... Read
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