These TVs often feature the latest wide, flat screens, which give viewers great definition and clarity. But while they provide a beautiful viewing experience, flat screen TVs are top-heavy on a narrow base, and they can easily be pulled off an entertainment center or other piece of furniture.

Many families might be surprised to know that every three weeks a child dies from a television tipping over. And nearly 13,000 more children are injured in the U.S. each year. Alarmingly, over the last 10 years there has been a 31 percent increase in TV tip-over-related injuries.

A recent report by Safe Kids Worldwide and SANUS revealed that young children are at greatest risk of TV tip-overs. The study, A Report to the Nation on Home Safety: The Dangers of TV Tip-Overs, includes data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and new findings from Safe Kids Worldwide primary research.

The research shows that seven out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. Sadly, this age group also accounts for nine out of 10 serious injuries requiring hospitalization.”Every 45 minutes, or less than the length of a Sesame Street episode, a child visits the emergency room because of a TV tipping over,” says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Dramas and tragedies should be on TV, not caused by them.”

It’s not just the newer flat screens that may cause a trip to the emergency room. Large and heavy old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control, a piece of candy, a video game, or anything else that attracts their attention.

According to the research, three out of four parents reported they don’t secure their TV to the wall, either because they are not aware that securing a TV is an important safety measure, or they have concerns about damaging the wall or installing the TV incorrectly.

What Can Parents Do To Ensure That Their Children Stay Safe?

* Check Your TV. Assess the stability of the TVs in your home. Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or candy.

* Secure Your TV. Securing your TV to the wall is a safe solution. Much like child-proofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are necessary precautions for keeping your family safe.”You wouldn’t think to bring a baby home from the hospital without a car seat, or have your child ride a bike without a helmet,” says Carr. “Mounting your TV will protect your TV, and most important, your child.”

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

Spring Is Drawing Nearer And, For Milwaukee Real Estate Homeowners, Now Is The Time To Shrug Off The Winter Chill And Think About Home Improvement Plans.

Building industry experts say that it’s an ideal time to carefully consider and prioritize your plans – both cosmetic and structural.

Understanding what is an essential home improvement and what is purely cosmetic is fundamental for those looking to make a smart investment in their homes. The foundation, for example, is a key investment area during a renovation project. Hiring an energy rater, inspector or appraiser to examine the home will give a better sense of the required work and avoid any subsequent costly headaches.

If You’re Thinking Of Going Green, small changes such as using compact fluorescent light bulbs can contribute to reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Fluorescent light bulbs typically have a longer life and use less energy thereby reducing excessive energy waste as well as monthly energy bills.

Investing In Energy-efficient Appliances Is Another Effective Way To Live Green And Add Value To Your Home.

Many modern air conditioners use 30 to 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of cool air as air conditioners from the 1970s, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Homeowners with an old central air system can consider having a new, more energy efficient HVAC system installed. While these may come with an expensive up-front cost, the savings on energy bills over the long term will prove to be a wise investment. Additionally, the inclusion of other energy efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers will contribute to lower energy bills.

Another Significant Way To Reduce Energy Consumption Is To Adequately Seal The Home To Stop Air Leaks By Opting For A Smart Insulation Material.

Insulation experts say that homeowners should survey their house from top to bottom, and assess any trouble spots such as drafty areas or cold zones which could be caused by air leakage. Air leakage can limit the effectiveness of heating systems and leave you with higher energy bills. According to InsulationSmart.com, floors, walls and ceilings can account for up to 31 percent of air leakage in a home. Spray foam insulation, which can help combat air leakage, is growing in popularity amongst homeowners since it is an energy-efficient material that delivers year-round benefits. Spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene, works well in all types of homes across the country, regardless of climate.

Spray Foam Insulation Performs For The Life Of The Property.

Ensuring that homeowners enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures all year round without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment. Insulation experts from Icynene note that quality spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce heating and cooling costs, in some cases by up to 50 percent. Additionally, spray foam insulation helps minimize random airborne moisture and pollutants from entering the home, ideal for allergy sufferers. More information on the effectiveness of spray foam insulation is available online at www.icynene.com.

Updating your home with cost- and earth-conscious improvements will provide a multitude of benefits. Not only will your home be more comfortable, but you’ll be saving money and doing right by the environment.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

What Your Milwaukee Real Estate Home Is Worth To You Is One Thing; What It’s Worth To Someone Else May Be Totally Different.

If you want to boost the value of your home for yourself and in the eyes of others, one of the best ways to do that in today’s real estate market is to make green home improvements.

Going green can mean a lot of things, and it’s easy to start with small changes like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and unplugging appliances when they’re not in use. Not only will you be doing good for the environment, you might end up saving on utility bills and, ultimately, increasing your home’s value when the time comes to sell.

Green projects aren’t all necessarily in the do-it-yourself category, and making an investment to have the bigger jobs done right will pay off in the long run.

“It’s important for homeowners to consider cost-saving efficiency projects as part of their overall home renovation plans,” says RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly. “And a trained real estate agent will be able to identify the projects that cut current expenses and pay potential dividends when you’re ready to sell.”

Getting started now – even if that just means planning – is a good idea, particularly if you’re thinking about selling in a few months’ time. Talk to a real estate agent about what improvements are popular among potential homebuyers, and consider these ideas:

* Insulation: Regulating the hot air your home lets in during the summer and lets out in the winter can have a short-term impact on your heating and cooling bills. To find out whether you need additional insulation in your attic or walls, order an energy audit. Perhaps you could benefit from adding blown-in insulation to your walls. If your attic is unfinished, it’s particularly important to make sure that it’s appropriately insulated to avoid wasting energy.

* Windows: Caulking and putting up energy-saving window film is a great start, but a more dramatic change might make a world of difference if you want to make a sale. Replacing your existing windows with high-efficiency versions can be an expensive proposition, but the return on your investment can be dramatic, particularly if you’re hoping to attract buyers.

* Landscaping: While planting isn’t always possible in the coldest months of the year, putting together a plan for energy-conscious plantings is a great idea. Consider adding trees that will bring shade to the sunniest spots, like the west side of your home, to cut summertime electric bills. Trees that lose their leaves in the fall will let light in during the winter, as opposed to evergreens which will block it throughout the year.

* Water: Take the first step by turning down the temperature setting on your water heater. For more savings, consider replacing older heaters with energy-efficient models or even solar water heaters. Adding insulation to your pipes can also make a difference in how much energy is used to heat water.

Most homeowners put a lot of effort into making their homes attractive, welcoming spaces. With green updates, you can make your home not only more comfortable and more energy-efficient, but also more appealing to buyers. Add the potential energy savings and the possible boost in home value and you have even more reasons to bring your home into the green age.

For recommendations about making your home green, talk to a knowledgeable real estate agent. Green agents at RE/MAX have a commitment to sustainability and specialized knowledge that you can tap into when making improvements.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Real Estate News You Can Use.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News!

Both are worthy goals, but did you know that improving your financial health may boost your physical health as well?

“Money problems are a well-known cause of stress, and the negative impact that stress has on one’s physical health is well-documented,” notes Lule Demmissie, managing director of investment products and retirement at TD Ameritrade. “It makes sense that relieving stress through better financial planning, among other remedies, can help contribute to better physical health.”

In fact, TD Ameritrade’s Retirement Survey indicates that taking care of at least one important financial task – retirement planning – may help alleviate stress, both today and in the future. Women who started saving for retirement before their 30th birthday and contributed regularly to retirement savings reported feeling less anxious, frustrated or regretful, and more positive and satisfied about retirement compared to those women who waited to begin saving for retirement or who didn’t regularly contribute to their retirement savings.

Fortunately, the steps for improving your financial health and physical health resemble each other. Whether your goal is to increase your retirement savings or the hours you spend exercising, these five steps can set you on the right path:

1. Set A Goal - It’s important to define your objective. Be as detailed as possible in painting a vision for your future – one that includes the accomplishment of your specific goal. Remember to place direct needs first.

2. Create A Budget - A budget is the foundation for any solid financial goal. Track your monthly income and expenses, both the “needs” and “wants,” and plan accordingly. You need to understand how you are already spending your money and how much you need to save to help achieve your goal.

3. Establish A Savings Plan - Prioritize where you allocate your money. First, it’s a good idea to pay down high-interest debt such as credit cards. Next, consider establishing an emergency savings fund with enough cash reserve to cover at least six months of living expenses. Third, if possible, maximize your retirement savings by contributing the maximum amount allowed by the IRS. If you can’t contribute the maximum, remember that no amount is too small. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, try to take advantage of it. Remember to use easy “set it and forget it” strategies like auto-investing into your 401(k) and IRA and saving regularly will not be a burden.

4. Develop An Investment Plan - After you’ve established a budget and created a savings plan, it’s important to make smart investment decisions with your remaining finances. Work with a professional to help evaluate important factors like risk tolerance, tax status, time horizon, etc. Make sure your investment plan aligns with both your short-term and long-term needs. If you have five years or less to reach your goal, you may need to find more liquid investment opportunities. If you have 10 years or longer to reach your goal, you may have more investment flexibility.-If you prefer to do this last step independently there are many easy-to-use tools that can help you assess your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

5. Get Educated About Money - Money isn’t the only thing you need to invest in order to improve your financial health. You’ll also need to invest time to fully understand your personal financial situation and the options available to help you achieve your financial goals. Take advantage of free savings and planning tools on financial websites like TD Ameritrade’s Life 2.0. The website offers investors access to free resources like retirement calculators and portfolio planners, as well as information on how to make financial decisions that can help you pursue your financial goals.

“Just as it’s never too late to take steps to improve your physical well-being, it’s never too late to start saving for retirement,” Demmissie says. “Taking steps to improve your financial health can help relieve stress now and help you feel more confident about your plan for the future.”

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

Home ownership is an important investment that can create both a sense of pride and a place in The World That Is All Your Own.

While the investment in purchasing or building your own home is sizeable, letting your home fall into disrepair can be even more costly. However, home maintenance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following a few simple steps and making maintenance a regular activity, you’ll not only preserve the quality of your home, but you’ll likely save money over the long term.

Keep A Regular Maintenance Schedule

Whether you’ve just moved in or have lived in your home for decades, it’s important to establish a regular routine to maintain your home. Some tasks should be checked off the list regularly, while others are more seasonal.

Start A List Or Put Reminders On Your Calendar For These Important To-Dos:

* Regularly test fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

* Replace air filters for heating and cooling systems according to owner’s manuals.

* Schedule regular furnace and water heater maintenance.

* Check electrical outlets to ensure proper function.

* Weatherproof doors and windows according to the season.

* Don’t underestimate regular cleaning to keep your home in top shape.

Invest In Items That Protect Your Investments:

Regular home maintenance is worth your while and certain investments can ensure your home remains in top shape for years to come. There are many different products designed to help you maintain your home investment by making it easier to clean, protect, update and more. For example, if pets are part of your family, investing in a great vacuum can help keep your house pet hair free, while a home security system will help ensure your home and possessions are protected at all times.

If you’re building a new home or remodeling, consider products designed to maintain your investments. For example, KraftMaid’s CoreGuard sink base, an engineered polymer cabinet interior, is designed to protect from leaks and spills that commonly occur under the sink. Available through dealers, Lowe’s or The Home Depot, CoreGuard offers a simple solution to protect cabinetry for the long term.

What’s On The Outside Counts Too.

While you may experience the benefits of interior maintenance more regularly, outdoor maintenance is just as important in taking care of your home. Tasks like making sure gutters are clear and siding is clean and damage-free help ensure that the exterior of your home stays beautiful. Strategic landscaping can help with heating or cooling costs by allowing light in or providing shade where needed. It can also help by diverting water away from the house to avoid leaks or damage. Additionally, an investment in the exterior of your house can enhance the curb appeal and make it a joy to come home to every day.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

Each winter the average driver in these areas will see more than five inches of snow on the roads. And when the snow is falling there are few things more comforting than the sight of snow plows and salt trucks making highways safe for commuters, shoppers and travelers.

In the Snow Belt, citizens expect roads to always be cleared of snow and ice, no matter how bad the storm, says Bret Hodne, public works director for West Des Moines, Iowa. To help meet those sky-high expectations, Hodne orders salt months before the first snowflake falls. His motto is “don’t trust your climate,” because if you plan for an average season it’s bound to be a record-setting winter of snow and ice.

Snowfighters first began using salt in the 1930s for snow and ice control, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that salt became widely adapted as one of the major weapons to keep winter roads safe. In an average Iowa winter, Hodne’s department alone uses 4,000 tons of salt and keeps twice that amount in storage.

Salt Works by lowering the freezing point of water, and when applied on already-frozen roadways (de-icing) it helps to melt the ice. When salt is applied before a freeze sets in (anti-icing) it helps prevent liquid water from becoming ice. This is why drivers will often see salt trucks out and about before the roads start to freeze.

Both methods give tires more traction with the pavement, keeping roads open and safe while protecting lives and commerce. How quickly salt melts frozen water depends upon a number of variables, including temperature, time and the rate of application. Fortunately, it is usually not necessary to melt all the snow and ice on a road. Merely destroying or preventing the bond between pavement and frozen water is a more efficient, economical and environmentally sensitive approach. In fact, salt is the single most effective and economical method for treating roadways.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, snowy, slushy or icy pavement accounts for more than 116,000 Americans injured and more than 1,300 killed on each year. In fact, 24 percent of all weather-related vehicle crashes occur under such wintry conditions. A study by Marquette University -found that effective use of road salt reduced vehicle crashes by 88 percent, injuries by 85 percent and the cost of accidents by 85 percent.

Icy Road Conditions Are Not Limited To Northern States, However. Sudden and unexpected snow storm and freezing rain can affect southern states as well. In January 2011, such a snowstorm hit Atlanta covering roadways in a sheet of ice and shutting down routine business and traffic for five days. In response, Bill Shelton, road maintenance division manager of suburban Cobb County, has implemented a distribution system that gets salt from storage to roads as quickly as possible. Instead of storing salt and sand in just one location, Shelton has spread it out to five spots throughout the county for easier access to its 2,500 miles of roads.

Snow-Fighters Have Several Safety Tips For Winter Drivers. The most important is if you can avoid driving, it is best to stay off the roads — at least until the snow plows and salt trucks have had a chance to do their job. It is also best not to pass road-clearing trucks. Drivers will also want to make sure they have tires with good traction, cleared windows and headlights with properly working windshield wipers and anti-icing fluid in order to see and be seen, and to leave a good amount of space between their vehicle and the one in front. Finally, remember that taking your time and driving safely is more likely to get you to your destination. For more information please visit www.safewinterroads.org.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

What Should The Decor Be Like? Do you want a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity? Will you incorporate any water-saving faucets or fixtures? And, with all the decisions to make, will it all look good together and still perform well?

These questions, and many others, should be at the top of your list when you start mapping out your next bathroom project. Luckily, many manufacturers have made it easier in recent years for you to answer those questions in a painless, affordable way.

“We’ve created several complementing suites of fixtures and faucets,” says Kevin McJoynt from Danze, Inc. “The elements of each collection were literally made for each other, which makes your job easier.”

So what should you look for when you’re planning your next bath or powder room project? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the key pieces:

Sink And Vanity - Choices are abundant when it comes to the sink area of a bathroom. For those smaller footprint powder rooms, or where storage isn’t as critical, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn’t match your taste or needs, furniture-style vanities can have a significant impact on a room’s decor and add extra storage.

Faucet - This can be one of the most noticeable accessories in the room and one that homeowners and guests interact with the most. Make sure you choose a style and finish that is consistent with the overall decor. A soft brushed nickel or warm oil-rubbed bronze finish can add a distinct detail to the feeling of the room. If environmentally friendly options are important to you, explore WaterSense-certified faucets that can reduce water usage by 30 percent, without affecting performance.

Toilet - This is one of the best places to go “green” in your bathroom. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), saving two or more gallons of water during each use compared to many toilets installed in the 1980s and prior. This saves 20 percent compared to more recent 1.6 gpf designs that are standard today. And, just because it’s a very utilitarian element of a bathroom, don’t skimp on design for this piece. Shape, height, styling and color greatly impact how the toilet can enhance the room’s decor.

Shower System - Years ago homeowners had a handful of choices for showerheads. Today, there are hundreds of styles, functions, finishes and components that can comprise a home’s shower system. This is a recently discovered area of the bathroom that can really show off your personality and can help you create a unique retreat. Tastes range from building a “shower spa” with wall- and ceiling-mounted showerheads, to conservation-minded shower stalls equipped with WaterSense-certified showerheads.

Bath Accessories - Careful selection of bath accessories is key to creating a finished look to your project. Once again, homeowners have a huge choice. Whether it’s the ornate styling of an old-world towel ring, or the sleek lines of a contemporary towel bar, make sure to select accessories that match your room’s faucet, sink and other elements (all the way down to the robe hook).

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report says that even minor kitchen remodels return more than 72 percent of your investment at the time of resale. Yet the cost of even a “minor remodel” doesn’t look that minor – $19,588 on average, according to the report.

What If You Don’t Have That Kind Of Budget? The good news is it’s possible to completely change the look and feel of your kitchen for less than $2,000 – by choosing meaningful upgrades that have the biggest cosmetic impact for the least cost. When deciding what changes will have the most value for your project, think about changes that will be most visible in the space.

Gutting A Kitchen And Replacing Every Element Can Cost Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars. Not many of us have that kind of renovation budget. Your money can be better spent – and saved – by replacing a few key elements that have the biggest visual impact.

The Sink And Faucets Are Not Only Essential Functioning Parts Of The Kitchen, they can be a design focal point, too. Fortunately, replacing a sink can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make in a kitchen. Opting for a visually distinctive design, like an apron-front sink, can help transform the look of the kitchen. Models like Kohler’s self-trimming apron-front kitchen sinks make it easy for do-it-yourselfers to achieve this distinctive look.

The stainless steel single-basin Vault models, and the double-basin Whitehaven enameled cast iron model, require no custom cabinetry – only the removal of the false drawer front you find beneath most traditional sinks. This makes these top-mount sinks ideal for homeowners looking to install a new sink that works with existing cabinetry and countertops for less than $1,000. Plus, the Whitehaven is available in 16 different colors, making it easy to turn your sink into a design focal point.

Cabinets And Countertops Are Major Design Elements, And Can Be Costly To Replace Completely. It’s often easier for a DIYer – and less costly – to refresh cabinets with a coat of paint or new varnish. Swapping out old, dated hardware for newer more modern styles is also a simple, low-cost way to give cabinets a facelift.

Laminate countertops that are scuffed, cracked or scratched may need a new sheet of laminate, but new technologies make replacing this type of countertop easier than ever. If you have granite that has lost its luster due to staining, look into specialized cleaners that can restore its beauty. You can even find products that will lift oil stains from granite.

The Walls Are Another Major Design Element That’s Easy To Give A New Look. A fresh coat of paint will brighten the room, even if you’re just repainting the same color. You can find excellent interior wall paints for as little as $25 a gallon at your local home improvement store, and unless you have an enormous kitchen a gallon or two is usually enough to do the job. While you’re painting, don’t forget to do the ceiling and wood trim – you’ll be amazed at how much brighter your kitchen will look with fresh paint throughout.

Adding Something New To The Kitchen - some element that didn’t exist before – can also enhance the cosmetic changes. Installing a backsplash is a simple way to introduce a new design element without spending a bundle. Having a professional install glass tile, ceramic or even tin can run up costs, so look into doing the job yourself. You’ll find plenty of guidance and advice, including demonstration videos, online. Or, contact your local home improvement store to see if they offer free (or nearly free) classes on how to install different types of tile.

If you’re unsure how a new faucet or sink will affect the look of your kitchen design, you can find online kitchen planners to help you visualize the new look.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

With our fast-paced lives, this term, coined by www.trendwatching.com, a leading trendscouting website, describes the trend of the consumer’s need for instant gratification. We want fast service, fast answers and fast results.

And, of course, this need for fast fixes extends into our homes. Luckily, no matter how pressed you are for time, you can spruce up your house by focusing on simple projects that can be completed quickly … in a day or a weekend. Don’t delay – check these easy and affordable projects off your to-do list today and soon your home will be perfectly prepared and instantly updated.

Fancy Fixtures

As the workhorse of the kitchen, we have dozens of daily interactions at the sink. So, give your kitchen a functionality facelift by upgrading your faucet. The innovative Moen Delaney or Haysfield kitchen faucets with MotionSense are an ideal choice to bring your kitchen into the digital decade. MotionSense allows you to accomplish a variety of routine tasks with speed and efficiency, offering you three ways to operate the faucet. In addition to the traditional handle, you can activate it by using the Wave Sensor – by waving your hand over the faucet to turn on and off – or the Ready Sensor – by placing your hands or an object under the spout. In addition, the eye-catching designs of the faucets, both featured in a Spot ResistStainless finish which resists water spots and fingerprints, create an immediate aesthetic update.-

Next, tie the finish of your new faucet throughout your room by updating the hinges, knobs and pulls on your cabinets for an uncomplicated and inexpensive way to add new dimension to your kitchen space.

Restore Beauty In The Bath

In a recent Gallup Poll, 80 percent of workers said they feel stress on the job, making it important to make your home – and specifically your bathroom – a relaxing retreat. Swap your old, boring showerhead with the new Moen Halo rainshower to create a serene sanctuary within minutes. Available at The Home Depot (approximately $59), Halo features an innovative, pivoting double-ring design which provides 60 percent more coverage than traditional 9-inch rainshowers. Three spray settings – full rainshower, deep massage and relaxing massage – create a spa-like experience, and with an easy two-step installation, you can upgrade your bathroom in no time.

Another fast fix for the bathroom is to simply get organized … and stay that way.- Keep your hand towels tidy by installing a Retractable Towel Ring. The thoughtfully designed accessory offers the traditional benefit of a towel ring, with a retractable cord that extends from the base to allow the towel to be used – yet stay neatly in place. Simply pull the towel toward you, dry hands and release. The unique accessory is the ideal solution for your bath, or even kitchen or laundry room, to keep your towels remaining securely on the towel ring. Within minutes you’ll have a clean, up-to-date space you’ll want to show off.

Refurbish The Living Room

As one of the gathering areas for your family or guests, the living room can get dirty quickly – especially the carpet. Footprints, pet odors or food and beverage spills could be detracting from the enjoyment of the room, so take a few hours to take back your carpet. Many grocers rent steam cleaners for as little as $25 per day, making them an ideal solution to bring new life to your living space. —-

Living room lighting can also have a big impact on your room’s decor and ambiance. Brighten your atmosphere – and your mood – by replacing your current incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency LED lamps. These energy-efficient bulbs will have your home shining brightly all season long, while also saving on your electric bills.

Clean Ceiling Fans

The most neglected fixture in your home might be hanging right above your head – the ceiling fan. Luckily, by flipping a switch, you can improve the effectiveness of this overhead oversight.- Start with dusting the fan blades and housing, and then simply reverse the fan’s usual summer rotation to a clockwise spin to push down warm air from the ceiling. This is easily done with a switch located on the side of the fan’s motor.

Don’t think that fix-ups can’t fit into your fast-paced life. By following these helpful hints, you can quickly and easily renew your home now and make it an inviting retreat throughout the year.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!

When You Are Out Shoveling Snow And Scraping Ice Off The Car’s Windshield, Winter Can Seem Like An Eternity.

 Yet when it comes to your credit profile, house-hunting and the spring real estate season is just around the corner.

“Warm weather will bring an increase in homes on the market and buyers shopping, so it pays to take steps to make sure your credit profile is in the best shape possible if you’ll be looking for a house come spring,” says Barrett Burns, president and CEO of credit score model developer VantageScore Solutions. “Real estate experts are already predicting that this spring will be an important season for the industry, with mortgage rates still low and prices creeping back up. In addition to other criteria such as down payments and income, a good credit score can make a big difference when it comes to getting a mortgage at favorable rates.”

VantageScore Solutions recommends home buyers start now to prep their credit profiles before the spring real estate season arrives in March and April.

Here are some tips and tidbits to keep in mind as you’re working toward qualifying for a mortgage loan:

* It Is Essential To Know What’s On Your Credit Report Before It Will Be Viewed By Potential Lenders. Make sure your credit report is up-to-date and accurately reflects your credit behavior. You can obtain your report at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official site where you can obtain your report every 12 months for free from each of the three major credit reporting companies (CRCs), which are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. And you can access your credit score through all three CRCs from the same website for a small fee.

* Creditors Are Interested In Seeing How You Manage Credit, And The Consistency Of Behavior Counts. In addition to paying your bills on time every month, avoid applying for any new credit between now and the time you will apply for a mortgage. Almost every credit score “inquiry” from a lender is recorded with one or more of the three national CRCs. This can result in a decrease to your VantageScore credit score by 10 to 20 points.

* Keep In Mind That Some Lenders Will Pull A Credit Score At The Time You Apply For The Loan, Then Again Just Before The Loan Closes. You want to avoid credit score reductions during that time frame, which can occur if you take on unnecessary credit. Also be sure all payments on existing debt are made on time during this timeframe.

* Shop Around For Mortgage Options Before You Actually Apply. Understand lenders’ qualifying criteria so you know where you may need to improve. Once you’ve done your research, go ahead and apply to multiple lenders all at once. Multiple applications at the same time will register on your credit report as a single inquiry – as long as they’re all within 14 days of each other – and will have minimal impact on your score.

* Different Lenders Use Different Scoring Models And Different Models Can Have Different Score Ranges. For example, the VantageScore model’s range is 501 to 990. You may or may not be able to find out from your potential lender which model they use. What’s important is where you fall in the model’s score range, which tells you how your score compares to others.

Finally, Burns says, don’t worry too much over small fluctuations in your score. “It’s possible for your score to be 772 on Thursday and 765 on Friday,” he says. “It may be back up to 770 the next week. The changes are likely due to updates to your credit files and expiring data. Remember that consistent, responsible behavior is more important than small ups and downs in your credit score.”- -

For more information and tips on how to get your credit ready for spring real estate season, visit www.VantageScore.com or test your knowledge about credit scores at www.CreditScoreQuiz.org, which was created by VantageScore Solutions along with its partner, Consumer Federation of America. Both websites are completely free and neither display any advertising nor collect any personal data. Both the online quiz and a corresponding brochure are available in Spanish at www.creditscorequiz.org/Espanol.

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Milwaukee Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Milwaukee Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Milwaukee Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Milwaukee businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Milwaukee Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Milwaukee  Home Inspection News!