Mars and Venus Weigh In on Home Buying

Published: December 30, 2012

John Gray's "Men are from Mars; women are from Venus" mentality may apply to far more than communication styles, conflict resolution and acts of love. Turns out, there may be differences between the genders when it comes to purchasing a home.

Resolution Woes? Get Inspired Here

By: FOXmls.com

Published: December 25, 2012

Each new year means making a list of the same old resolutions. And never looking at the list again. Perhaps considering traditions in other countries may help inspire you to follow through on some of those oh-so-familiar resolutions.

Boomers Want to Be Boss Before Finally Retiring

By: FOXmls.com

Published: December 20, 2012

It's never too late to pave the path you want for yourself - and many baby boomers are taking this to heart when it comes to working beyond retirement.

Homeowner Spending to Boost Economy in 2013

By: FOXmls.com

Published: December 15, 2012

After a downturn in spending on home renovations, homeowners across North America have once again been bitten by the renovation bug. And this bodes well for the economy as a whole in 2013.

Artichokes Stuffed with Brie

Serves four as an appetizer for holiday dinner parties.

Serves 4

4 large artichokes
8 ounces Brie
4 tablespoons chopped shallots
2 cups dry white wine
1 stick of butter cut in cubes
8 ounces whole grain mustard
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
4 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

How To Earn A Rebate When Buying A Home

By: FOXmls.com

Published: December 1, 2012

When a property is listed for sale with a real estate agent ("Listing Agent"), the Listing Agent historically offers a 3.0% commission to the real estate agent ("Buyer's Agent") who procures the buyer.

Impress Buyers:Feng Shui Brings Harmony Home

By: FOXmls.com

Published: November 30, 2012

Want to infuse your home with energy to make it attractive to buyers? Why not consider feng shui - an ancient Chinese science that focuses on creating harmony and maintaining balance so energy flows well through your house.

Deep Six the Eight-Glass Myth

By: FOXmls.com

Published: November 25, 2012

Your mother always told you to drink eight glasses of water a day. Now it seems she's wrong.

'Tis the Season...to Decorate

By: FOXmls.com

Published: November 20, 2012

The holiday season is about the only time we can indulge our decorating fantasies. Whether your dream decor is over the top or simple and elegant, the following will give you ideas to make your holiday fantastic.

Trust Your Attorney to Negotiate a Win-Win Deal

By: FOXmls.com

Published: November 15, 2012

You're about to make one of the most important purchases of your life - a home for you and your family. But here you are, handing over those all-important home purchase negotiations to your real estate attorney.

Orange and Ginger Carrots

Serves 4

8 medium carrots, about one pound
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon butter
Chopped chives for garnish

Directions:

A Well-Staged Home Can Bump Up Its SQ

By: FOXmls.com

Published: October 30, 2012

For sellers whose houses have languished on the market for some time, it's all about your home's saleability quotient (SQ). You have to stand out from the crowd.

The Debate Continues: Pros and Cons of Urban Intensification

By: FOXmls.com

Published: October 25, 2012

The dream of most couples used to be 2.5 kids and a house in the suburbs surrounded by a white picket fence. Now, according to municipal planners, families should scratch out "suburbs" and insert "smart growth urban communities" instead.

Eat Dirt: It's Not Evil Anymore

By: FOXmls.com

Published: October 20, 2012

In North America, we obsess about hand sanitizer and scrub our fruits and vegetables until every vestige of mud in an effort to protect ourselves from bacteria we believe will make us ill. Well, as it turns out, our preoccupation with cleanliness may actually be making us sick.

Is Yesterday's Starter Home Making a Comeback?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: October 15, 2012

Remember the starter home: that first house young couples dreamed of, saved for and finally purchased? It represented their first - but likely not their last - entry into the real estate market.

Halloween Hello Dolly Bars

Serves 4

3 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons water
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
1 (15 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup candy corn

Directions:

Save Your Big Investment From Big Trouble

By: FOXmls.com

Published: September 30, 2012

For six years, Sydney Walters wondered why his home was so hot in summer and so cold in winter. And why his family developed allergies and asthma.

Are Words Losing Their Magic?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: September 24, 2012

The most powerful ideas in human history have one thing in common - they're all based on words. From religious doctrines to political constitutions to famous speeches that have broken down walls and created worlds, words have a long history of forging futures.

The Human Voice Wields Power: Even Today

By: FOXmls.com

Published: September 20, 2012

The kids at camp who called their mothers nightly may have known more than their fellow campers thought. The human voice, like human touch, can act as a calming agent.

Five Design Trends That Will Help Sell Your Home

By: FOXmls.com

Published: September 16, 2012

Getting your home ready to sell? These 2012 design faves will give you that updated look buyers want...without the updated cost. Best of all, most of these ideas can go with you to your new home.

Essential Pasta Pomodoro

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, pureed
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Basil, for garnish

Directions:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for about 10 minutes; then add minced garlic and continue stirring for 2 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until just before tender. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup cooking water.

Add reserved pasta water to sauce and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and finish cooking, about two minutes.

Remove pan from heat and stir in butter and Parmesan. Serve with more grated cheese and basil.

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Kids

By: FOXmls.com

Published: August 30, 2012

When it comes to major life events, moving is among the most stressful. But did you know that changing where you live can be just as traumatic and worrying for children as it is for adults?

Party Stress-Free With Tips From the Experts

By: FOXmls.com

Published: August 24, 2012

It's one of life's great ironies that planning a fun party can be stressful. But it doesn't necessarily have to be.

How Craftsmanship Is Making a Comeback

By: FOXmls.com

Published: August 20, 2012

The rise of careful craftsmanship is one of the more interesting trends that has gained traction over the last few years.

Make Your All-Season Room Work for You

By: FOXmls.com

Published: August 16, 2012

All-season rooms - whether they're heated, fully insulated sunrooms or enclosed patios with an independent heating source - provide the perfect bridge between indoor and outdoor living spaces. But many homeowners aren't quite sure what to do with this sunny space.

Charred Fresh Corn Saute

Serves 4

8-10 cobs of fresh yellow corn
4 tablespoons butter
1-2 teaspoons sea salt
Zest of 1 lime
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Lime wedges and red pepper flakes

Directions:

There Are Scary Consequences to Mortgage Fraud

By: FOXmls.com

Published: August 1, 2012

We all know what it means to look after a home. Whether it's vacuuming regularly or applying a much-needed coat of paint, such care is an essential part of home ownership.
But what if your home could actually help care for you?

Smarter Smart Phones Usher in the Cashless Society

By: FOXmls.com

Published: July 28, 2012

Sick of lugging around cash? Don't worry. The cashless society is just around the corner.

Gas Prices Rising? Don't Worry. Start Biking

By: FOXmls.com

Published: July 25, 2012

If there was a simple way to be happier, more active and save money all at once, would you do it? These days you can't surf your favorite news site without encountering a study showing that those who have chosen bikes over cars are happier and healthier.

'Convergence' Is Shaping Urban America

By: FOXmls.com

Published: July 20, 2012

A swing toward urbanism is shaping "Big City, North America."

What I Learned About Portable Generators One Dark and Stormy Night

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: July 3, 2012

A sudden and long-lasting power outage makes a portable generator a must. But finding one when you need it isn’t easy. Here’s one home owner’s odyssey.

Baked Fish With Scallions and Ginger

Serves 4

4 fillets of snapper, grouper or other firm white fish
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
3 tablespoons dry sherry
5 scallions, 2 of which should be thinly sliced crosswise
1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Today's 'Smart' Home Makes Decisions for us

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 26, 2012

We all know what it means to look after a home. Whether it's vacuuming regularly or applying a much-needed coat of paint, such care is an essential part of home ownership.

How to Organize Your Own 4th of July Neighborhood Parade

By: Dona DeZube

Published: June 26, 2012

You can make your kids the stars of their own Independence Day parade and celebration. Here’s how.

Buy Diapers and Soap... With Your Smart Phone

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 25, 2012

Their goal is nothing less than reshaping the retail industry. And with the growing popularity of smart phones and other mobile computing devices, tech-savvy retailers may wind up doing just that.

Summertime and Outdoor Living Is Easy

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 20, 2012

Summer is back, so what are you waiting for?

Pricing Your Home is Both a Science and an Art

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 15, 2012

You know your home is one of a kind. Soon buyers will know too; you've just made the decision to list. The question now is: How do you price that unique property?

Cuban Beef Picadillo

Serves 5

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef stock
1/4 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/2 cup raisins, roughly chopped
1/2 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

Latest Trend Offers Mom Her Very Own 'Man Cave'

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 1, 2012

Okay. So maybe "man cave for mom" isn't a term that's likely to catch on. But whether you call it a "girl grotto or "lady's living room," having a private space set aside strictly for the woman of the house is very trendy.

Think Your AC Won’t Make it Through the Summer? We’ve Got the Fixes

By: Douglas Trattner

Published: May 30, 2012

Is your AC making ominous noises? Maybe it sounds fine but isn’t cooling. Here’s a list of common air conditioning warning signs and their likely causes and fixes.

We Can All Learn From the Introverts in Our Lives

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 24, 2012

Most of us would agree we need a break from our fast-paced lifestyles. But would eating in silence be carrying it too far?

Are You a Procrastinator? Find Out How to Change

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 20, 2012

There are more distractions today than ever before, thanks to the influence of the Internet. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are among the online time wasters that lure us from the task at hand. But here's the disconnect: even as the opportunities for procrastination grow, so does the demand for fast, creative, motivated workers.

When Does a More Expensive Home Cost Less?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 16, 2012

While it may seem counterintuitive, it's true; purchasing a more expensive home in an urban neighborhood could actually wind up costing you less than a home with a smaller price tag in the suburbs.

6 Green Terms: Which Ones Can You Trust?

By: Karin Beuerlein

Published: May 7, 2012

Does "natural" mean organic? Should you buy anything labeled "non-toxic"? Here are the truth and eco-facts about many of the green terms you find on product labels.

Avocado and Green Apple Salad

Serves 4

3 cups avocado cut into bite-size cubes
2 cups green apple cut into cubes slightly smaller than the avocado cubes
1½ a red onion, thinly sliced into half moons
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Chopped fresh cilantro, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

For Today's Homebuyer Small Is Beautiful

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

No longer is the sprawling luxury home the pinnacle of real estate in the North American market.

Shh...We're Eating: Mindfulness in the Dining Room

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

Most of us would agree we need a break from our fast-paced lifestyles. But would eating in silence be carrying it too far?

Buy in the Right Location to Ensure Your Home's Value

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

True, the phrase, "location, location, location", is a cliché. But smart homebuyers have come to realize that the location of their new home not only determines how happy they'll be with their purchase but also dictates its resale value. Following is a primer to help you find the right home in the right location:

Everyone is Going 'Pinsane' Over Pinterest

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

If you've picked up a newspaper, surfed or watched TV recently, you've probably heard about Pinterest - the online photo pinboard and community.

What’s Your Earth Day Resolution?

By: HouseLogic.com

Published: April 16, 2012

This year, we’re resolving — and we hope you do too — to make some lasting changes in our homes so every day can be Earth Day.

Buttermilk Pannacotta

Serves 4

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
1 package gelatin
1½ cups buttermilk
1 cup peeled, chopped mango
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
Zest of one lemon

Directions:

No Granite? Don't Let That Be a Deal-Breaker

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

Even the casual HGTV watcher will be familiar with "granite obsession." Picture this: A couple is viewing a house that has great curb appeal in their chosen neighborhood, at a price they can afford. It's perfect. Or is it?

When Everything Old Is New Again

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

This February, Leonard Cohen, 1960s philosopher and guru to a generation of aging baby boomers, released his 12th album, titled Old Ideas.

Want to Feel Good? Try Decluttering Your Life

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

Decluttering is in. A Google search on "decluttering your life" generated 1.16 million results in just a sixteenth of a second. Everyone from professional declutterers to Zen masters has something to say about it. Simply said, though, it boils down to this: Declutter, feel good, achieve more.

Nine Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

These days, staging your home involves more than decluttering and inexpensive fix-ups. You can spend big bucks. Or not. The following tips can help you add value to your home:

7 Killer Ways to Get Rid of Weeds

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: March 14, 2012

Here are 7 ways to murder weeds with household items. You’ll save money and show no mercy to your garden’s uninvited guests.

Chicken Piccata

Serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup flour
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers
6-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/4 cup chopped green olives
1 ½ tablespoons chopped parsley
4 tablespoons butter

Directions:

How to Prepare for the Spring Housing Market

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

Spring is the time of year when sellers and buyers gird up for what has traditionally been the most important season for buying or selling a home. Following are some ways to prepare:

Green Your Home: Save Now and Profit Later

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

With apologies to Sesame Street's Kermit the Frog, it is easy being a green homeowner. And it may be profitable, too.

How to Become a Master Raconteur

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

People who long to enthrall audiences with their stories can do so by following a few simple rules.

Slowing Down: The Fast Route to Happiness?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

Simplicity may well be the defining value of 2012. With money tight, most of us are homing in on essential needs.

Deceptively Easy Ways to Get the Stainless Steel Look

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: February 24, 2012

Our “Why You Should Fake It” series continues today with bright ideas so you can get the stainless steel look at the price of a cheap dinner.

How to Get the Look of Cedar Shakes and Never Paint Again

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: February 23, 2012

Our “Why You Should Fake It” series launches today with vinyl shake siding that, unless you lick it, is a dead ringer for cedar.

8 Tips for Cleaning Up a Broken CFL Bulb

By: Dona DeZube

Published: February 21, 2012

You dropped and broke a CFL bulb. No need to call a Haz Mat team — just keep a cool head and follow these 8 tips.

Valentine's Warm Shredded Beets

ngredients:

According to some, beets are an aphrodisiac, making this recipe the perfect - if somewhat unusual - Valentine's side dish.

Serves 4

2 tablespoons butter
2 large beets, shredded (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1½ teaspoons salt
½ cup water
1 tablespoon flour
Pepper, to taste
Sour cream and parsley, optional

Directions:

Selling Your Home? How to Make it Lovable

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

Today's buyers love vibrant red and orange accent walls, usually in contrast to earth-toned neutrals. They also love stoves with super-quiet exhaust fans, kitchen islands, and recessed lighting combined with hanging pendant fixtures.

How to Prepare and Pack a Fun and Healthy Lunch

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

Remember the endless stream of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from school lunches gone by? No wonder we traded with our friends.

5 Ways to Nurture a Love That Lasts Forever

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

A relationship is like a recipe - it takes time to get it right. So how do couples of three months, all the way to 30 years, make their relationships work?

How to Leap Those First-Time Buyer's Hurdles

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

First-time home buyers have plenty of obstacles to overcome. There is an intricate maze of details that need to be carefully navigated. Following are five obstacles that first-time buyers have to overcome when looking to buy a home:

The Best Home Security Money Can Buy … But Who Really Needs a Helipad?

By: Dona DeZube

Published: January 23, 2012

If you’ve got a few million dollars, you can buy the world’s safest home. But for the rest of us, these 7 home security tips help us sleep at night.

Burned Out on CFLs? We Address the Real Issues and Solutions

By: Karin Beuerlein

Published: January 20, 2012

If you’re having trouble with CFLs, you’re not alone by a long shot. We chatted with an expert about the issues, how you can use CFLs successfully, and your alternatives.

Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets: The Options and Costs

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: January 3, 2012

Want to reface your kitchen cabinets? Smart decision. It’s more cost-effective and takes less time than a full remodel. Here are options and costs.

Mexican Tomato Soup

Serves 6

Ingredients:

6-8 medium tomatoes, whole
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken stock, plus more, to taste
½ teaspoon dry thyme
Tabasco sauce, to taste
2 small avocados, cubed
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
½ pound Mexican-style cheese, cubed
Tortilla chips

Directions:

Better Business Bureau Review

By: FOXmls.com

Published: January 1, 2012

We do not belong to the Better Business Bureau ("BBB") and here is why. The year was 1996. We had launched our new business in 1995 to change the process to sell a home. The goal was the same back then as it is now "to provide a less expensive method to list a home on the REALTOR MLS".
Trulia Recomendations

How to Help Your Agent Sell Your Home

By: FOXmls.com

Published: January 1, 2012

While your real estate agent may be working flat out to sell your home, you - as the seller - also have an important role to play.

5 Tips for Losing Weight After the Holidays

By: FOXmls.com

Published: January 1, 2012

After weeks of parties, baking, extravagant dinners and holiday-themed cocktails, many people wake up in January to find they've added a few extra pounds.

According to several studies from the last 10 years, the average adult gains at least one pound during the holiday season. A study by The New England Journal of Medicine indicates most people don't ever shed that weight.

Following are some tips and tricks to help you sensibly shed the holiday weight:

How Smaller Resolutions Can Get You Bigger Results

By: FOXmls.com

Published: January 1, 2012

On Jan. 1, many people pledge resolutions of titanic proportions. By the time February rolls around, though, about 75% of those people will have given up.

People fail on resolutions because big goals aren't realistic. So instead of making big goals, make smaller, more realistic goals that are not only doable but also rewarding. For example:

5 Ways to Take Advantage of a Down Market

By: FOXmls.com

Published: January 1, 2012

Real estate remains a bargain in much of the United States. For many home buyers this is the ideal time to jump into the housing market with a long-term investment strategy. Following are five tips to help you take advantage of a down market.