Homeowner’s Toolkit Archive


How to Protect Your Home from Hurricane Damage

RISMEDIA, August 21, 2007—(weather.com)—Hurricanes are like no other storms on earth. From Maine to Texas, and in Hawaii, these ferocious weather systems bring torrential rain, flooding, storm surges and devastating winds that damage homes, destroy treasured keepsakes and disrupt family life. You don't have to be blown away when a ...


Tapping Health Plans’ Hidden Benefits

By Kristen Gerencher, MarketWatch ...


How to Work out a Problem Mortgage with Your Lender

By Lew Sichelman ...


What If Your Lender Goes Bust?

RISMEDIA, August 20, 2007—(MCT)—The stock markets fell in early trading Thursday in part because a financial analyst raised concerns about the liquidity of Countrywide Financial, the nation's largest home lender by volume. ...


Why It Makes ‘Cents’ to Include a New Garage Door in Your Home Remodeling Project

RISMEDIA, August 17, 2007—According to an online survey, 71% of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it increased the value of their home. ...


Got Mold? Mold Remediation Gives You A Tax Deduction

RISMEDIA, August 17, 2007—Did you know that if you are a landlord or a homeowner and you have to have mold removed from your home, it is tax deductible? It qualifies as a repair that has to be done to protect the investment of your home. ...


Making Repairs after Unexpected Home Damages

RISMEDIA, August 17, 2007—(MCT)—The carpet from the family room and everything that had been on it are piled at the curb. The washer, dryer, hot water tank, freezer and other items that had been knee-deep in muddy water in the basement have been dragged out there, too. ...


Home Improvements Q & A: Should I hire a professional or do the job myself?

By Desiree French ...


What Are the Key Ingredients to a Happier Old Age? It’s Easier Than You Think

RISMEDIA, August 7, 2007-- (MarketWatch) -- It gets better with age. ...


Homeowners Who Go Green Face Neighbors’ Objections; How Gore Got His Solar Panels

RISMEDIA, August 6, 2007--(Wall Street Journal Online)--In neighborhoods across the country, there's a battle brewing: the environmentalists vs. the aesthetes. ...


EcoStar Introduces EcoVent Roofing Tiles

RISMEDIA, August 3, 2007—EcoStar, a manufacturer of premium steep slope roofing materials, is adding EcoVent™ to its line of premium accessories. EcoVent is a continuous tile-over ridge vent that efficiently removes hot, moist air from the attic space of a building. ...


Beyond Curb Appeal: Take a Closer Look at a Home’s Landscape

By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch ...


How Green is Your PC?: New Home Computer System Reduces Power Usage

RISMEDIA, July 31, 2007—(MCT)—Serial entrepreneur Gregoire Gentil thinks consumers who have embraced energy-efficient hybrid cars might also want a really green personal computer -- and an inexpensive one. ...


In Summer’s Peak, Keep Homes Safe from Electrical Fires

RISMEDIA, July 27, 2007—As the heat of the summer continues to rise, so does the number of appliances being used to bring relief from the outdoor swelter. But people need to remember when plugging in fans and air conditioners it is important to create an environment that is not only ...


The 15-minute Tip: Going Green without Going Hybrid

By Jennifer Openshaw ...