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Home & Design Articles

Universal Design Comes to Factory-Built Homes

Thanks in part to the aging baby boomer population, universal design is becoming more widespread in new homes—and now, even in factory-built homes.

September 1, 2005
Blanche Evans

Tips for an Organized, Safe Garage

Injuries in the garage are more common than you may expect, according to a national study released last month, and most of the mishaps are due to a lack of organization. It makes sense to encourage sellers to get this crucial part of the property in order for showings—a move that will improve safety and make a great impression on potential buyers.

September 1, 2005
Blanche Evans

Spot Landscaping Red Flags

Landscape warning signs come in all shapes and sizes, from soil problems and root encroachment to excess moisture, pest infestation, structural instability, erosion, and drainage problems.

August 1, 2005
Michelle Hofmann

New Home Trends

Drive by a new-home development today, and you may not see a dramatic difference from one built five years ago. But interiors—and even exteriors to some extent—reflect a changing consumer dynamic.

May 1, 2005
Chuck Paustian

Making the Case for High-Density Housing

As the U.S. population continues to expand, communities throughout the country are facing a housing crunch. The solution? High-density areas where housing, jobs, retail, and entertainment are all interwoven—creating communities where the emphasis is on walking, not driving, according to the National Multi Housing Council 2004 Annual Report.

May 1, 2005
Blanche Evans

Water Damage Do's and Don’ts

Only two out of every 100 insured homes will file a water-damage claim within the year, yet 22 percent of all insurance losses are caused by water damage on average. Should a leak or flood occur, technicians recommend that homeowners do the following to minimize loss and prevent further damage.

April 1, 2005
Blanche Evans

The Best Rural Places to Live

From golf course communities to retreats to second homes, farmland isn't used just for farming anymore. Farmers also want to cash in, rather than miss the top of the gains that haven't been seen since the 1980 to 1984 run-up in rural land.

February 1, 2005
Blanche Evans

Home Design Trends Shift from Cocooning to Hiving

Some of the country’s housing markets may be slumbering, but not in neighborhoods with new or updated housing. That's why it’s mission-critical for real estate practitioners to know the latest in the styles and amenities homebuyers want.

September 1, 2004
Blanche Evans

Help Buyers Rediscover Ranch-Style Homes

The attractiveness of ranch-style depends a lot on local culture, including whether local real estate professionals appreciate ranch homes and how they are presented for sale. If the local real estate culture treats these homes as architectural treasures, sellers and homebuyers will too. Your enthusiasm as a real estate practitioner is infectious.

August 1, 2004
Blanche Evans

Get it Done: Curb Appeal

Encourage sellers to spruce up their listing’s exterior, so buyers will have no reason to turn on their heel. Well-chosen improvements can draw buyers into the home and add value. Both the facade and yard should say: “This house is loved.”

July 1, 2004
Barbara Ballinger

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Residential Styles & Structural Elements

Gothic

Gothic arches, also called pointed arches, are narrow and pointed at the top. They were seen during the Gothic period in Europe from about...
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