Toledo Blade Real Estate

(ARA) - In today’s homes, many of which are on small lots with close-by neighbors, privacy is sometimes hard to find without closing the doors and covering the windows. And privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity.
What’s the answer? Simply look up. With natural light from above, homeowners can have privacy plus more wall space for storage or decorating (where windows would normally be), added ventilation, and the health benefits that come with more natural light. According to Joe Patrick, product manager for VELUX America, venting skylights provide those benefits and more. “In bathrooms especially,” Patrick says, “venting skylights reduce condensation build-up while providing a beautiful view of the sky above, without affording anyone the opportunity to see in. Plus you get the use of wall space where a window isn’t necessary for decorating or another form of space utilization.” According to research from American Standard, skylights are selected as the number one option in “dream bathrooms.” And modern skylights offer as many, or more, features for managing light than standard windows. For the ultimate in convenience, electric venting skylights are available with remote control, blinds, shades, awnings, insect screening and automatic rain sensors. There are even models available with glass that can be darkened by remote control to reduce light and solar gain without restricting the view of the sky. “And,” Patrick says, “while homeowners are considering skylights for bathrooms and bedrooms, they should remember that venting skylights in kitchens can release hot air and odors while admitting more light for brighter days and for more pleasant cooking and dining.” Skylights also address important health considerations. One in five Americans suffers varying degrees of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition in which the symptoms can include depression and fatigue due to lack of sufficient daylight. Skylights can help by admitting abundant daylight while visually expanding rooms in any style or size home. Perhaps, for whatever reason, you can’t use a traditional skylight. For simple, quick installation in areas where larger skylights may not be needed or just won’t fit, a sn tnnel skylight can easily provide abundant natural light in smaller bathrooms, entry areas or hallways, pantries, walk-in closets or other smaller, confined areas. In addition to highly reflective rigid tunnels, they also offer flexible tunnels that fit around virtually any attic obstructions, such as HVAC equipment, from the roof to the ceiling. Courtesy of ARA Content

This week’s featured home, like many we have profiled in this space, includes a long list of amenities. A spacious kitchen, a luxurious master suite, an impressive great room – these are just a few of the highlights of this home, located at 226 Hidden Village Lane.
What you won’t find is an enormous price tag. This home is offered as a short sale, meaning that the present owner’s lender has agreed to accept thousands less than what the home has been appraised for. The buyer of this property will have instant equity, and the present owner will be relieved of a house payment that has become unmanageable. The exterior of the home is brick and vinyl, with a covered porch and a front door with sidelights and transom. Inside, a chandelier hangs from the foyer’s vaulted ceiling. A sitting room to the left is a convenient spot for quiet conversation. Ahead and to the right is the guest closet, and the entrance to the master suite. A cathedral ceiling here gives the room a feeling of grandeur. The master bath nearby includes a double vanity with a cultured marble top, a soaking tub with a tile surround tucked under a glass block window, a step-in shower, private water closet and spacious walk-in closet. The great room has a cathedral ceiling with a fan. A gas fireplace with a wood surround and mantle are flanked by large windows. The nearby kitchen is quite spacious. Maple cabinets by Homecrest are topped by a WilsonArt hi-def countertop. A peninsula snack bar offers an extra workspace. Dining space is located here as well, with a brushed nickel chandelier to provide illumination. A sliding door here leads to the huge backyard. This home sits on nearly ¾ acre, and a horse farm and a nature preserve abut the property. A back hall leads to the laundry room, a closet, and the two car garage. Nearby are a powder room and the stairway to the full basement. Upstairs, the first bedroom has a tall, vaulted ceiling with fan and a walk-in closet. The second bedroom leads to the very large bonus room, which is unfinished. A third bedroom is located at the opposite end of the upstairs, and also has a double closet. These bedrooms share a full bath, which includes a double vanity, and a privacy door for the shower and commode. Features 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths Large Lot Springfield Schools
How Can You Benefit From a Short Sale?
If you’re a homeowner who is facing foreclosure, you’re not alone. Of the 1.95 million Ohio homes, 22 percent are in foreclosure – a whopping 419,000 homes. And with the economy worsening, the situation does not look as though it will improve soon. Foreclosure does not only affect the homeowner. A foreclosed home may sit empty for months, an open invitation to those who would loot it for copper, aluminum siding, appliances, or anything of value. The value of surrounding properties goes down. Foreclosure has an effect on the family, as well. The loss of a home can lead to depression, low self-esteem, and embarrassment around family and friends. Children often feel displaced and insecure. Once a home goes into foreclosure, it can take up to five years before the homeowner can purchase another home. It can also lower credit ratings by as much as 300 points. What are the alternatives? Here are a few: • Sell or Rent the Home • Mortgage Modification • Forbearance Agreement • Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure • Bankruptcy • Short Sale While it is a difficult situation, a short sale can be a positive step for the seller, buyer and neighborhood. For the seller: the home is sold, with the lender agreeing to accept less than what is owed. The homeowner’s credit rating is not as badly damaged as with a bankruptcy or foreclosure. In many cases, the lender may agree to forego pursuit of any deficiencies. Most importantly, the recovery time for the seller to get back on his or her feet is much less. Any commissions associated with a short sale are paid by the lender. For the buyer: purchasing a short sale home has advantages. First and foremost, the buyer may realize instant equity; the home may be purchased for less than the appraised value. In addition, the home will have been lived in and maintained. For the neighborhood: because the home is being maintained, surrounding properties may not be adversely affected as is often the case with foreclosure. Cindy Keil and Brett Varner of Re/Max Masters are Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE), two of just 850 in the United States. They have gone through extensive training in short sales, and call themselves the Foreclosure Relief Team. In a short sale, they are the liaison between the homeowner and lender. The homeowner will not have to be in direct contact with the lender. Ms. Keil says, “We’re here to help people either stay in their home or explore their options, providing help and hope to families one home at a time.” Mr. Varner concurs. “We’re agents for the community; minimizing the number of foreclosures, helping families get back on their feet, and keeping neighborhood values up.” Joe and Theresa, a couple who have used the Foreclosure Relief Team, say, “Now we can finally move on with our life without worrying about two house payments.” Another seller, Michelle, says, “Putting my home up for sale was heartbreaking and Cindy always cared enough to listen when I started feeling upset or sad about selling my home. I had to short-sale my home and Cindy worked with my bank to ensure the process went smoothly. Cindy is a wonderful and caring Realtor. I chose the right person to handle the job!” Cindy Keil and Brett Varner are experienced Realtors who can help you through the pre-foreclosure process. They may be reached at www.ForeclosureReliefTeam.com or simply stop by the Open House this Sunday, November 23, at 226 Hidden Village Lane, off Hill Ave. between McCord and Centennial Roads. You may also call for a Free Confidential Consultation – Cindy 419-283-4516 or Brett 419-215-7147.

Some people blame a fair-lending law for the mortgage meltdown and the resulting global financial crisis. Evidence shows otherwise.
The Community Reinvestment Act, passed in 1977, requires banks to extend loans where they accept deposits. It was conceived as a way of fighting redlining -- the practice of denying loans to residents of minority neighborhoods. Conservatives have periodically criticized the fair-lending law, saying, for example, that it discourages banks from opening branches in poor districts. The latest salvo from conservatives began via a Sept. 15 editorial in Investors Business Daily, titled "The Real Culprits in This Meltdown." "Tough new regulations forced lenders into high-risk areas where they had no choice but to lower lending standards to make the loans that sound business practices had previously guarded against making," Investors Business Daily said in the editorial. The newspaper didn't get the name of the law right, initially calling the target of its ire the Community Redevelopment Act. Its editorial blamed President Clinton for today's mess because, by encouraging minority homeownership, "he helped create the market for the risky subprime loans that he and Democrats now decry as not only greedy but 'predatory.'" A week later, The Wall Street Journal editorialized that the CRA "compels banks to make loans to poor borrowers who often cannot repay them." On Sept. 25, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., told the House Financial Services Committee that because of the CRA, "loans started being made on the basis of race, and often on little else." The blaming of the CRA for the mortgage mess continued up to the election. The Critics Are Wrong "It certainly wasn't the CRA," says Kenneth Thomas, author of two books about the law ("Community Reinvestment Performance" and "The CRA Handbook"). Thomas says you could just as easily blame the Sept. 11 terrorists (because the Fed slashed short-term interest rates afterward), or the Chinese (for buying so many bonds during the subprime boom). In other words, he thinks it's a huge stretch to blame the CRA on lenders' bad decisions. There are three reasons to exonerate the Community Reinvestment Act in the mortgage meltdown. Why CRA is not to blame: • The CRA applies to banks. Most subprime mortgages came from lenders that were not banks -- so the CRA did not cover them. • The nonbank lenders made more reckless lending decisions than banks did. • Regulations didn't drive the subprime lending boom. The pursuit of profits did. "How people can think that a law that's been on the books for 30 years somehow precipitated or caused the subprime crisis is beyond me," says Ellen Schloemer, director of research and communications for the Center for Responsible Lending, a nonprofit group that fights predatory lending practices. Most subprime lenders weren't even governed by the CRA because they weren't banks, Schloemer says, mentioning two nonbank lenders that went belly-up early in 2007: Ameriquest and New Century. Of the roughly 300 failed institutions listed on the Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter site, the vast majority were not chartered banks. Because they weren't deposit-taking banks, they didn't have to abide by CRA rules. Time after time, lenders closed their doors because they couldn't afford to buy back the bad loans they had originated and quickly sold on the secondary market. (Like a grocer selling spoiled milk, if a lender sells a loan that goes bad right away, they have to buy it back.) Some lenders advertised their lending policies in their names. What did customers of No Red Tape Mortgage expect? How about Right-Away Mortgage? Is anyone surprised that both Southern California-based lenders went under in June 2007, a few months into the subprime debacle? In February 2004, Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan endorsed alternative mortgages in a speech at a conference of the National Credit Union Association. "American consumers might benefit if lenders provided greater mortgage product alternatives to the traditional fixed-rate mortgage," Greenspan said. Soon stated-income loans and subprime piggyback mortgages flooded the market as profit-hungry lenders offered "creative" home financing. "When people talk about 'creative' or 'creativity' in credit, it usually means lower credit standards," says Alex Pollock, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He says this is a lesson "which we rediscover periodically." One Place To Point The Finger For his part, Thomas believes he knows where to place some of the blame on the mortgage mess. "The real answer is in two acronyms," he says: TLTL and LTMR. TLTL stands for "too low, too long," and refers to the period when the Federal Reserve kept the federal funds rate so close to the inflation rate that the real interest rate was close to zero. The federal funds rate was 2 percent or lower from November 2001 to December 2004. That roughly coincides with most inflationary period of the housing bubble. LTMR stands for "let the markets regulate." Greenspan used to be an ardent proponent of self-regulated markets, but he told Congress in late October that "this breakdown of the central pillar of competitive markets" in mortgages requires "additional regulatory changes." But he added that any new regulations "will pale in comparison to the change already evident in today's markets."

Q. We heard that Bank of America is going to help people who got deceptive loans from Countrywide Mortgage. We signed up for an option ARM because the loan officer made it sound so good. It was for a few months, but after numerous resets we can barely afford our payments. Are we candidates for this program?
A. You may be, depending where you live. Bank of America will modify or refinance unaffordable option ARMs or subprime loans for the residents of 11 states that sued Countrywide for luring customers into loans they had no hope of repaying. The settlement covers residents of California, Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Washington. If you have an eligible loan you may be able to get your interest rate or principal amount (what you owe) reduced so that you can afford the monthly payments. But you must have bought it before Dec. 31, 2007 and the loan-to-value ratio must be 75% or more. In other words, if you owe $75,000 on your home, it must be worth at least $100,000. Q. This program sounds like an answer to our problems. What can they do and how do we get started? A. Countrywide appears to be making every effort to help people like you, including paying refinancing charges and waiving pre-payment penalties. The program doesn’t officially start until Dec. 1, but if you are facing foreclosure or have a foreclosure sale pending, call 1-800-669-6607 right away. There will also be money for relocation assistance for homeowners facing immediate foreclosure. On Dec. 1, Countrywide will begin contacting borrowers first by mail and then by phone that are more than 60 days behind on their payments or at risk of defaulting because of an upcoming increase in the adjustable interest rate. Modified loans will feature mortgage payments that do not exceed 34% of your income. When possible, the mortgage will be refinanced into an FHA fixed-rate loan. If you are not eligible for that, the interest rate on your ARM could be kept at the low teaser rate or in the case of your option ARM, the interest rate could be lowered to 2.5% or 3.5% for a 10-year interest-only period.

(ARA) - Home building has gone green. Environmentally conscience consumers are driving builders and home product manufacturers to emphasize environmental responsibility. Even products like hardwood flooring, that might not seem to lend themselves to a "green" lifestyle, are getting an environment-friendly makeover.
"For some people, it's understandably hard to imagine how you can cut down an old growth pine or hardwood tree, turn it into a beautiful floor and still feel you're doing your part to protect the environment," says Don Carlisle, owner and president of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. "It's only possible if the wood is harvested from a forest managed according to sustainable forestry practices. "That means carefully assessing the age and growth pattern of a tree before deciding whether or not to harvest it," he says. "If the decision is made to harvest, then the sawyers must consider how to do that without causing trauma to surrounding trees or negatively affecting the area's wildlife." Carlisle, whose family-owned business has been practicing sustainable harvesting for more than 40 years, says builders are discovering that environmentally conscious products also make good business sense. "Wood is an endlessly renewable resource if we take care of our forests," he says. Harvesting trees that have reached maturity and begun the decline in their life cycles helps maintain the overall health of the forest. Declining trees continue to draw resources from the eco-system, resources needed for new growth to survive. Responsibly harvesting older timber allows new growth the opportunity to thrive. Reclaiming used wood from old buildings is also recognized as a green building practice. "We also recycle old wood from buildings slated for demolition," says Carlisle. The reclaiming process gives builders access to some rare, high quality antique wood, takes the wood out of the waste stream and often preserves a piece of a historic building that cannot be saved otherwise. Beautiful, rare antique woods like chestnut, pine and hemlock are often found in old buildings, factories, farmhouses and barns. Carlisle, recognized as a leader in reclaiming wood by the 2004 National Floor Trends Magazine Market Study, salvages old wood piece by piece from old buildings. Wood used in nearly every part of a structure -- from roof beams to barn doors -- can then be turned into beautiful, durable flooring. "Reclaimed wood has a singular beauty and depth of character," says Carlisle. "Putting it in your home is like taking part in a piece of American history." Reducing waste and pollution are also key concerns for green building practices. Manufacturing processes are becoming more refined to minimize discarded materials and by-products. Carlisle has also been pro-active in reducing the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in its finishes. The practice makes business sense as well, enabling the company to ship its wood to every state in the country because the product complies with every state's regulations on VOC levels. "It's important for everyone to take proper forestry management and the use of reclaimed wood very seriously," Carlisle says. "You have to have the fundamental belief that we can live in harmony with the proper use of our resources. Then you can feel very comfortable using these resources in products for your home." Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - A little bit goes a long way. That's certainly true when it comes to one of the hottest trends in decorating: Wallpaper -- hung on one "feature" wall -- that takes on the look of artwork.
Bold patterns and reach-out-and-touch textures are the newest way to update your décor, and today's great-looking wallpapers look especially fresh as the focal point of a room. According to Karin Holms, features editor of "Better Homes & Gardens' Beautiful Homes" magazine, "Covering all four walls with a single wallpaper is a classic and enduring look, but papering one wall with a strong pattern and adjacent walls with a coordinating pattern is a great way to mix things up and have some fun with wall décor." New York-based interior designer Jamie Drake, famous for his daring use of color, often chooses very bold and bright floral patterns that he says "could be overwhelming in an entire room, but create a real splash on a single wall." Drake recommends bringing out the colors in the wallpaper with lampshades, throw pillows and accessories for a very polished look. Several wallpaper companies are creating exciting new wall décor products -- some are luxuriant murals; others are more like giant stickers -- that let the imagination run wild. Here's how to use them to create a feature wall in your home: Wall Choices Open-concept rooms are great candidates for creating a feature wall. Choose a wall that welcomes you into the room, since that will become the focal point. A wall that marks off a dining area is one fail-safe option; a less obvious choice is an expanse of wall with a staircase. A feature wall can also solve decorating dilemmas by diverting attention away from adjacent walls with too many doors, windows or other details that are hard to decorate around. Frame a Pattern Instead of hanging wallpaper from ceiling to floor, consider framing a large piece of pattern between decorative panel moldings with either simple or ornate framing corners, depending on the desired effect. Paint the frame a contrasting color to accentuate the pattern. A coordinating stripe or textured wallpaper on the remainder of the wall will really make the pattern pop. Layering Effects
Bold, highly ornate patterns can be balanced with more muted coordinating designs on adjacent walls. If papering an entire wall even seems like too much, simply center a portion of the pattern on the wall and frame it with picture molding. Above the Fireplace Mantel Paintings and mirrors are the expected above-the-mantel decorating choices, but gorgeous wallpaper can add unexpected panache to a room. A few decorative accessories that play off the colors in the pattern create a wonderfully interesting display. As a Headboard Run a pattern above a bed and up to the ceiling to create the look of an elegant headboard. In a room with twin beds, this wall treatment gives the room an airy, uncluttered feel. New Directions Hang a strip or two of wallpaper sideways across the wall for an unconventional banner effect. In high-ceilinged rooms this creates a clever new take on the striped look. Wallpaper Frames Art The more textured wallpapers can also help highlight special artworks. After Holms hung grasscloth wallpaper in her home office, she wallpapered a 4-foot by 5-foot piece of pressboard with wood veneer wallpaper, and on that she hung a collection of etchings and lithographs. "The layered effect is so dramatic," she says. "It gives the artwork more prominence, much like layers of mattes inside a frame." Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - It seems the longer you live in your home, the more you want to remodel and reorganize it. While these tasks can seem overwhelming at times, consider doing both in one step -- you'll maintain the value of your home while making it more enjoyable to live in, no matter how long you decide to stay put.
Here are some tips for combining remodeling with reorganizing: Target three pockets of clutter. Most of us store, drop or misplace massive quantities of "stuff" on counters, floors and shelves as the business of life goes on. While you likely can't successfully sort all the clutter at once, there are usually three areas in your home that drive you the craziest. If you target and solve those first, you will find you have the energy, sense of accomplishment and relief that will make a significant difference in your life. Common clutter traps include the kitchen countertop, pantry, utility closet and laundry room. Attack your top three pockets of clutter; renew and reorganize them; and apply the same principle in other areas of your home as time and budgets allow. Shove everything off a sloppy shelf and replace it with an elegant furniture-like bookcase. Delve into one drawer and install neat, wooden drawer dividers. Then move to a bedroom, and so on. Find the perfect container.
The key to organizing clutter pockets is finding the perfect compartment to contain it in. A double-duty cabinet called a Deep Drawer can help you create storage for tall and bulky items without sacrificing organization for smaller kitchen supplies. You can use it to hold large bottles upright, including a full-sized jug of laundry detergent. The bottom drawer fully extends, making it easier to see all the contents, too. This is an especially great addition if you have a kitchen with an adjacent laundry room, allowing you to extend your cabinet design from room to room. A six-inch-deep utility cabinet can be a pantry, broom closet and laundry room supplement all in one, creating usable, easy-to-access space in an otherwise unused place. It has adjustable shelves for differently sized items such as kitchen sprays and cleaners, and also provides a happy home for brooms and mops. Plan ahead. The longer we stay in our homes, the older we get, too. And over time, both homes and people tend to need a little more help. As long as you're remodeling, plan ahead for changes in mobility, physical strength or eyesight. Cabinets that have earned the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use Commendation are accessible to people with physical limitations or chronic joint symptoms, but they are also easy to use for anyone. These products are so subtly designed that no one even has to know the cabinets are doing the work for you, with features like shelves that eliminate reaching, stretching or kneeling to grab things. By design, these cabinets can help you organize just about anything you need a place for, in your most beloved space -- your home. Courtesy of ARAcontent

(NAPS) - Changing the look of a room is now as easy as ever with simple fixes and a multitude of options for table lamps, also known as “decorative portables.”
Now these portables come in a variety of shades, with removable and interchangeable parts. These tips will help you make the most out of your living spaces. * When choosing a table lamp for your home, make sure the lamp is proportionate to the size of the piece of furniture you are placing it on. * Try experimenting with a lamp that is different from the overall style of the room. For example, a “country-living” look mixed in with a bright, contemporary light makes for a bold yet refreshing statement. * Keep in mind the purpose of the lamp for the room. Will you be using it for a mere accent or a specific purpose like reading? * Sometimes less is more, and a spacious area lightly accented by a single table lamp is all the drama that is needed.

(ARA) - Winter means more time spent indoors. Take some time to conduct a safety check inside and around your home.
Interior designer Lisa Bonneville, American Society of Interior Designers Fellow in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., and author of a new book on designing a safe home, cautions homeowners that maintaining safety is an ongoing process. She suggests creating a maintenance plan that details what to check, when to check it, and a regular cleaning schedule. These will help you identify items that may need replacing or repair. A comprehensive maintenance plan needs to address all three areas of home safety: health, injury and security. Falls and fires are the most common hazards in the home, and preventing them should be your highest priority. A fire extinguisher in good operating condition should be ready-to-hand in the kitchen, garage, workshop and any room where there is an open flame, such as from a fireplace, wood burning stove or candles. Test smoke alarms and replace batteries, if needed. Consider installing an alarm system with fire and carbon monoxide alarms that are monitored around the clock. If you use a fireplace, keep children and pets away from the hearth and tools. Be aware that fumes and smoke from a fireplace may be drawn back into the house if exhaust fans are being used in the kitchen or bathroom while a fire is burning. Adding glass doors to a fireplace helps protect against flying cinders and reduces back drafting. Slippery surfaces are a major cause of falls in the home. Keep tile and linoleum floors dry, and secure the edges of area rugs with carpet tape so they do not slide when stepped on. Doorways should be unobstructed and able to fully open in both directions. Check steps, stairs and banisters for wear or weaknesses. Uncarpeted stairs should have nonskid treads or tape. Avoid using patterned carpet on stairs, as it does not provide enough contrast to distinguish one step from the next, and make sure stairwells are well lit at all hours. Humans are not the only creatures that do not like the cold. Rodents, birds and insects enter homes, damage structure and create unhealthy environments by spreading disease, droppings, dander, and eating wood, insulation, food, water and the like. Keep them out in order to preserve a safe and healthy home. Pest-proof your home by closing up openings in the foundation, walls, doors, windows and attic. Cover vents with mesh, and block areas under porches, steps and elevated foundations with mesh wire to keep animals from nesting in unreachable areas. Store firewood away from the house, and secure lids on garbage cans and other receptacles. Maintaining a safe home does not need to be costly or time-consuming. Taking the time to routinely check for possible hazards as you do your cleaning or other chores will keep your home in good condition and provide you with peace of mind. Courtesy ARAcontent

Brunch is a late morning-early afternoon meal served between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. that combines foods eaten for breakfast and lunch. It is usually a buffet-like affair that many restaurants and hotels serve on Sundays and holidays. The food often ranges from eggs and bacon to soup and seafood. This year, instead of having a fancy dinner party for the holidays, why not have a casual brunch? Here are some tips to help you plan the brunch.
Decide whom you are inviting. The age, sex and number of guests you invite will have an influence on what you serve. Teenagers eat differently than adults, women eat differently than men and small groups do not eat as much as large groups. Decide when to have the brunch -- Sunday is a good day, but any day will work. For a casual brunch, phone call or e-mail invitations will work; for a special celebration, written invitations are ideal. To get an idea as to how many people are coming, be sure to include an RSVP note on the invitation. The number of people you invite will also influence your menu. Bacon, eggs, sausage and omelets are good for small groups. Hash browns, quiches, pastries, pancakes and fruit bowls work well for large groups. Choose foods that you enjoy making and can prepare ahead of time or purchase from a deli or bakery. When cooking, set up a food preparation chart so you don't try to make several things at once. If you are going to invite a lot of people, you may want to consider having a potluck brunch in which everyone brings a dish or beverage. You could assign certain people a food category such as pastries or eggs. Just make sure you equalize the expense and effort involved with each category. While selecting the food, consider the dinnerware as well. Are you going to use the good plates and silverware, or are you going to use paper plates and plastic utensils? Regardless, make sure you have enough dishes and serving utensils for your food. If you are using paper plates, make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the food, and if you need to keep food hot, make sure you use thermal serving bowls. Add a nice centerpiece for color and put on some soft background music for ambiance. Brunch is an often overlooked meal. However, it is a good way to entertain family and friends and will work for almost any size of group and any occasion. You can experiment with new recipes at your brunch or stick to the tried and true. You can go fancy or you can go simple. It is entirely up to you.

(ARA) - The fall leaves have fallen and before you know it, winter snowflakes will be flying. But before the next change of season arrives, there are a few things you should do to make sure your house will make it through the winter and have an easy transition to spring.
Here are some of the more important tasks you should put on your to-do list: 1) Inspect all your doors and windows to make sure the caulk and weather stripping is intact. If they are worn or cracked, replace them; and if you don't already have them, install storm windows to keep the heat in and the cold out. 2) Clean and put away outdoor furniture and kids' toys. Start by spraying them down with water to get off the surface dirt, then rub on some outdoor furniture cleaner. Once clean and dry, wrap the items with plastic and store them someplace dry for the winter. 3) Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris that can clog your gutters leading to ice damns in the winter. Repair or replace sagging gutters and reattach loose downspouts. 4) Make a visual inspection of the roof to make sure there aren't any missing or cracked shingles or tiles, or vents that have become detached. Flashing, the thin metal strips around vents and other roof openings, should also be examined for leaks. 5) If you use your fireplace frequently, schedule an annual cleaning with a professional chimney sweep. Make sure he or she checks your chimney for loose bricks, crumbling mortar joints and missing caps while there. 6) Check to make sure you have adequate attic insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 45 percent of a home's energy loss is through the attic. 7) Turn off the water supply for exterior faucets before the first frost to prevent pipes from cracking, and take the time to clean off the mineral deposits encrusted on the outdoor faucet spout with CLR . The fast acting, powerful formula will remove calcium, lime and rust deposits with no rubbing or scrubbing required. It is safe to use indoors too. By taking these steps now, your home will make it through the winter unscathed, and come spring, all you'll have to do is unpack all the stuff you put away and enjoy the sunshine. No repairs will be necessary. Courtesy of ARAcontent

(NAPSI)-Being energy efficient isn't as hard as you think, and by using energy more efficiently you can lower your energy bills by more than 30 percent and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Here are some simple ways to accomplish this. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. By changing just six light bulbs to CFLs, you save 900 pounds of carbon dioxide and almost $100 a year. Install a programmable thermostat, then lower your thermostat two degrees in the winter and raise it two degrees in the summer, you'll save about $100 a year and about 2000 pounds of carbon dioxide. Energy efficiency also involves sealing your home envelope. Air sealing is simply closing a home's holes and gaps. Proper caulking and sealing can save you up to 20 percent a year. Experts estimate that proper caulking and sealing in the average home will close the equivalent of a three-foot hole in a wall.
Obvious leaks are around windows and doors, however, leaks in the attic and basement can really make a significant difference in energy savings. Large gaps are often found in basements or attics around plumbing pipes and chimneys.

The best thing about the home at 7809 Moon Lake Drive may be what’s outside: the lake itself. Long and peaceful, and somewhat unexpected in this part of Northwest Ohio, Moon Lake is one of three bodies of water in Hidden Harbour, a neighborhood of lovely homes in Holland.
Views of the lake from the home can be had from the great room, breakfast room, master bedroom, and best of all, the patio and adjacent deck. A small island on the lake is home to a graceful gazebo, making quite a pretty picture in any weather. The home itself is a showplace. The exterior is clad in brick, stone and stucco, with oversize carriage lights. A large porch here would easily accommodate a pair of comfortable chairs. A deep wood door provides a nice contrast to the lighter colors used on the exterior. A two-story foyer, dominated by a dramatic chandelier, greets visitors. A deep, rich cherry wood floor is underfoot. To the right, behind French doors, is the office. Tall white wainscoting adds to the classicism of this space. A beautiful chandelier, similar to the one in the foyer, descends from the vaulted ceiling. To the left of the foyer is the dining room. A black wrought iron chandelier and wide crown molding, painted white, emphasize the formality of this space. Just off the foyer is a powder room, a perfect place for guests to freshen up. This room, with its tile floor and granite countertop, is a jewel. The great room, straight ahead, lives up to its name. The height of the two-story room is emphasized by an elaborate ceiling fan that is as much sculpture as fan. Large windows look out to the patio and the lake beyond; they are topped by an equal-sized transom. A gas fireplace includes a tile surround and raised hearth, a white wood mantel, and a black wrought iron insert. Nearby is the spacious kitchen. A large island in the center offers ample workspace, as well as extra storage. The- deep cherry wood on the island is a sharp contrast to the bisque glaze on the kitchen cabinetry, but the divergence works perfectly. Amber pendant lights hang above the island, and the granite countertop forms a snack bar on one side; glass display shelves are located on either side of it. Like the kitchen cabinets, the refrigerator and range hood are also clad in a creamy bisque glaze. A tile backsplash behind the Kitchenaid six-burner stove contains decorative metal inserts. Just off the kitchen is the octagonal breakfast room. Windows ring the room, providing more of those wonderful views. A verdigris chandelier hangs from the peaked ceiling. Sliding doors nearby lead to the large, decorative patio and the composite dock. A back hall off the kitchen brings one to a laundry room with a long counter, cabinets and a sink; a closet; and the two-car garage. Off the great room is the spacious master bedroom. Mullioned sliding doors lead to the patio, and offer a stunning view of the lake. The master bath includes a raised double vanity, topped by unpolished granite. A jetted tub here is surrounded by tumbled tile, which is also used in the flooring. A glass, step-in shower, a private commode and a large walk in closet with built-ins completes the space. The staircase to the basement is off the kitchen. The finished basement would make a perfect rec room, as the present owner uses it, or a media room. A half bath on this level is quite convenient. The second floor of the home includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a bonus room and a sitting area that over looks the great room. The bonus room is a large, L-shaped space with a diamond window. Two of the bedrooms are located in one half of the second floor; the third is tucked away on the opposite end. With its own bathroom, it makes a wonderful guest suite. With its waterfront location, large public rooms and refined details, this home is perfect for entertaining. Imagine holding your holiday parties here, in your own home. Features Lakefront 4,200 Square Feet 5 Bedrooms 5 Baths Springfield Schools

Have you ever visited the paint store in search of the perfect white and marveled at all the shades available? White is white, you may have thought, but boy were you wrong. There are creamy whites, bluish whites, pinkish white and bright white whites. Who knew white could have so many shades and be such a versatile color?
Experienced designers are aware of the versatility of white and don't shy away from using it. Many, in fact, have focused solely on the color and designed rooms completely in white, creating a white-on-white décor. White-on-white décor provokes many reactions. Some say the environment feels sterile to them, while others say it is peaceful or dreamy and romantic. Whatever mood provoked, the best white-on-white décor contains various shades of white in various textures, which creates depth and interest. The ceiling may be painted a creamy white, the walls a creamier white and the trim and baseboards a bright white. Throw in a fluffy bright white chenille bedspread and pillows in various shades of white, and voila, the room has instant drama. Some tones of white suit certain styles better than others. Crisp whites, for example, work well for modern decor, whereas grayish whites work well for romantic rooms. Antique whites work well for country décor and pinkish whites for kitchens and dining rooms-red stimulates eating. Whatever the style, shades should be used in limitation. Two or three complementary shades of white will be more pleasing to the eye than a mishmash of whites. Although not easy to keep clean, white-on-white décor offers many benefits. It reflects a great deal of light and will do wonders for rooms that seem dark, especially in the winter. It also serves as great backdrop for accessories and will really play up colorful artwork and objects.

For homeowners 62 years and older, a reverse mortgage may seem like an excellent way to tap into home equity, generating much-needed retirement income. After all, the loan typically doesn't have to be repaid as long as the last surviving borrower lives in the home or until the home is sold.
Unlike conventional "forward" mortgages, where you make a monthly payment to the lender, a reverse mortgage lender issues you money that is generally not taxable and does not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. "For a person 62 years of age or older who wants to utilize his home to supplement cash flow and doesn't have to worry about budgeting to pay it back, it's a pretty interesting product," says Bob Walters, chief economist at Quicken Loans in Livonia, Mich. But before rushing out to apply for a reverse mortgage, be aware that this type of loan has several downsides. Closing costs and fees can be steep, and if you are thinking about leaving your home in two to three years, this is not a financially prudent way to extract money from your home. In that case, a home equity loan is likely a cheaper option. Reverse Mortgage Types Homeowners can choose from three types of reverse mortgages: • Single-purpose reverse mortgages. • Proprietary reverse mortgages. • Home equity conversion mortgages, or HECMs. Some state and local government entities and nonprofits offer single-purpose reverse mortgages. They are usually low-cost loans, but they are generally available only to people with low or moderate incomes. Also, they can only be used for specific purposes, such as home repairs, improvements or property taxes. Proprietary mortgages are private loans backed by the companies that market them. Federally insured home equity conversion mortgages, or HECMs, backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, account for 90 percent of all reverse mortgages, according to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. HECMs and proprietary mortgages normally have no income requirements and they can be used for any purpose. But they generally have high upfront costs and normally require the borrower to meet with an independent government-approved housing counselor before applying. How Much Can You Borrow? Generally, the more valuable your home, the less you owe on it, and the older you are, the more money you can extract from your home. Remember, the home must be your primary residence. The amount you can borrow also depends on current interest rates, loan fees and the appraised value of the home or the Federal Housing Administration's mortgage limits for the area, whichever is less. FHA does not limit the value of homes qualifying for an HECM reverse mortgage. An appraiser determines home values. However, the FHA does set limits on the amounts that can be borrowed. The loan limit is $417,000 effective Nov. 1, 2008. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, signed into law July 30, 2008, may increase the amount that can be borrowed under the HECM program. At this writing, FHA is still working out the details. According to the Federal Trade Commission, HECMs generally provide larger loan advances than proprietary loans at a lower overall cost. But owners of homes with high appraised values and small or no mortgages may qualify for larger loan advances through a proprietary reverse mortgage, though the cost will likely be higher. Interest Rates Borrowers today have a wide range of choices in reverse mortgage products. Some feature fixed interest rates. But most reverse mortgage products come with variable interest rates pegged to such short-term indexes as the Constant Maturity Treasury index or the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus a margin, according to David Cesario, executive vice president of sales and marketing at 1st Reverse Financial Services in Westmont, Ill. "You may have a Treasury with a 150 to 175 basis point margin (a basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point). So you'll hear it sometimes as an HECM-175 which means the 175 is the margin over the index," Cesario says. "There are also loans now like the HECM-100 LIBOR, so you'll have a 100 basis point margin over the LIBOR index." For example, if the interest rate on the LIBOR were 3.5 percent and you had a HECM-100 LIBOR loan, the rate on the loan would be 4.5 percent. Keep in mind, though, that rates are low in the current environment, and may very well go up in the future. Understand, too, that the interest is charged on the outstanding balance and accrues over time, increasing the loan amount. This is the magic of compounding interest at work in reverse -- meaning it favors the lender instead of you. Insurance Premiums, Other Fees FHA-backed reverse mortgages require lenders to collect insurance premiums. Borrowers will pay 2 percent of the maximum loan amount upfront, plus a 0.5 percent annual premium that is accrued on a monthly basis and added to the outstanding balance. Borrowers should also expect to pay for an appraisal, credit report, title insurance, legal fees and recording fees -- just as they would for any other mortgage. Origination fees can also add up quickly and reduce the overall amount of money available to you at closing. The new housing rescue law limits the fees for HECM reverse mortgages to 2 percent of a loan up to $200,000, plus 1 percent of any portion greater than $200,000. Origination fees are capped at $6,000, but in the future this cap will be indexed to inflation. Nevertheless, on a $200,000 loan, that's $4,000 in origination fees in addition to other loan costs. "Reverse mortgages traditionally have been very restrictive and pretty costly," says Paula de Vos, a Certified Financial Planner and president of Synergist Wealth Advisors in Carmel, Calif. Borrowers should fully understand the loan documents before they sign because they are in fact legal documents that could affect your heirs, de Vos says. "If you don't fully understand what is being proposed, seek the counsel of someone who does."

(ARA) - The days are getting shorter and soon you'll be returning home from work or school in the dark, but how inviting will your home be? If you're already dreading the unsafe feeling of turning into a dark driveway, now is the time to update your lighting, but where should you start?
#1 Survey the problem Walk across the street after dark and take a long, hard look at your front door. Can you see the door knob, how about the house number? If not, you have a poorly lit front entrance. #2 Gather ideas For ideas on how to improve your lighting situation, hop in the car at night and drive to a newer neighborhood with model homes and note what they've done; or pick up a home and garden magazine too see what's new. Keep in mind, the goal of outdoor lighting is to create a look that is comfortable, while at the same time providing a feeling of safety and security. Among today's popular trends:
* Placing wall lanterns on either side of both the front and garage doors; * Adding matching hanging fixtures or ceiling mounted fixtures above the door; * Installing pathway lighting leading up to the house and along the driveway; * Adding post mounted lights out front to help increase security and prevent people from accidentally driving on the grass or landscaping in the dark. #3 Shop for fixtures You don't need to spend a lot of time running from lighting store to lighting store to shop for fixtures. To get an idea of the latest looks available, check out www.lightingshowplace.com, for an online catalog with hundreds of fixtures to choose from. Once you find a look you like, the site makes it easy for you to pair up matching pieces. Adding outdoor lighting is a smart investment not only from a security standpoint, but because of the dramatic affect it has on curb appeal. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Before temperatures drop and you see the first snowfall, make it a priority to give your windows a thorough examination. Why? Because a home's windows are one of the chief ways that heat can be lost during blustery winter months, resulting in higher energy bills.
To help with your inspection, follow these tips from the experts: Check every window and door to make sure there is adequate weatherstripping and caulking which will ensure a secure seal around the openings in your home. Seal up any little cracks or gaps where air can leak into your home. Many experts believe the average home has enough of these small holes to equal one three-foot by three-foot opening. If you have storm windows, put them on early in the autumn to help save on your home's energy bills. Make sure to lock all the hardware on your windows. This creates a strong seal that prevents cold air from coming into the home. Even when closed, an unlocked window can still allow air to escape. Examine your windows. Make sure they're doing their part to help insulate your home. Check for hot and cold spots or drafty areas inside your home near windows, which can indicate energy loss. If you decide it's time to replace your windows, don't wait until the Spring thaw. Replacing windows before winter weather sets in can save your family substantially on heating bills this year. And, when shopping for windows, make certain to specify energy efficient windows that meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines for your area. Products displaying the ENERGY STAR label have been tested with energy efficiency in mind. Looking to save more on energy bills? Then request vinyl frames on your replacement windows. Vinyl offers excellent thermal performance and requires very little maintenance. When combined with other energy-smart features, such as Low E coatings, the energy efficiency of the window can increase dramatically.

Remember when you were a kid and watching television took place in the living room or den? Back then, TV viewing was so simple. All you needed was a TV and a comfy chair or sofa. With the advancement of technology today, TV viewing has changed considerably and is more sophisticated than ever. For the best experience possible, many people have set up media rooms in their homes specifically for the viewing of TV programs and movies.
While media rooms were once found only in the homes of the wealthy, almost anyone can set up a media room in their home today. To ensure yours is a hit, here are five tips. Tip #1: Choose the right location. The best place in the home for a media room is a room with very little daylight. This could be a spare bedroom in the attic or a family room in the basement. Whatever room you choose, make sure it is fairly soundproof and large enough to accommodate everything you need. To enhance the feel of the room, use deep, dark colors on the walls in a matte finish. This will prevent the walls from reflecting light from the TV screen. Cover the floors with plush carpeting and use low lighting. Sconces and recessed lights work well for media rooms, but if those aren't possible, you will definitely want to have a dimmer switch installed on the overhead light. Tip #2: Get the right equipment. Budget will be big factor in your choices, but essentially, you will need a basic home theater system consisting of a TV, speaker system, AM/FM receiver and DVD and VCR players. The screen size of the TV you select should be based on budget, viewing preferences and room size. Experts recommend three to six times the diagonal width of the screen between analog TV and seating, and one-and-a-half to three times the diagonal width of the screen between high-definition TV and seating. Tip #3: Set up the TV properly. Place the TV in an area away from any windows. Make sure the center of the screen falls at or just above eye level when you are seated. Use room-darkening window treatments to prevent picture washout and add a 10- to 15-watt white incandescent bulb behind the TV to reduce glare, prevent eyestrain and increase the accuracy of the screen colors. Finally, get out a tape measure and make sure there is ample distance between the TV and seating for optimal viewing. Tip #4: Select quality furniture. Depending upon the room size and personal preference, you may go for regular sofas and chairs or theater seating. With the former, ottomans will work well as footrests or additional seating, and if the latter is not within your budget, you can always make your own. All you need is to build a platform and add some comfortable chairs in front of it and on top of it to make two tiers of seating. Tip #5: Think comfort and convenience. Scatter large throw pillows and blankets around the room for additional comfort and warmth, and consider adding a mini refrigerator and a microwave to the space for snacks. Finally, make sure you provide plenty of tables for popcorn bowls, soda cans and more. Follow these five tips when setting up your media room, and you should end up with a space that allows for great TV viewing. Hurry and get started today!