Today’s Top Story – Consumer Archive


Take the ‘Slap’ Out of Bug Season

RISMEDIA, July 10, 2009-(MCT)-If you've been out camping, fishing or working in the garden, then chances are you've been smacking, slapping and itching. Mosquitoes, those (bleeping) bloodthirsty spoilers of outdoor summer fun - and their biting friends, black flies, gnats ...


First-time Home Buyer? Get an Inspection

RISMEDIA, July 9, 2009-As many consumers are considering buying a house to take advantage of first-time home buyer tax credits, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reminds them about the importance of getting a professional home inspection. According to ...


Home energy Q&A – Home Air Conditioner Do’s and Don’ts

RISMEDIA, July 8, 2009-(MCT)-Q: I thought I was operating our air conditioner efficiently until a neighbor came over to our house and told me he just read


Sellers Struggle to Compete with Foreclosures – The King

RISMEDIA, July 7, 2009-(MCT)-Looking to move up, Cheryl and Jeff Wortzel put their Midtown, Tucson home on the market in December. With two young boys


Hand Scanners Ease Shopping at Local Supermarkets

RISMEDIA, July 6, 2009-(MCT)-Shopping with two young girls in tow, Laura Brandes has taken to carrying a scanning gun as she travels the aisles


Safety Tips for Firing Up This Fourth of July

RISMEDIA, July 3, 2009-According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) more than two-thirds of Americans will fire up their grill,


How Does Yield Spread Help Buyers Buy?

RISMEDIA, July 2, 2009-Opportunity is knocking fairly loudly for many considering homeownership. Home prices have declined in many markets


Home Energy Q&A – Programmable Thermostats

RISMEDIA, July 1, 2009-(MCT)-Q: I heard you talk to a group of homeowners recently and you recommended that people use programmable thermostats


How Long Will a Foreclosure or Bankruptcy Affect Credit?

RISMEDIA, June 30, 2009-(MCT)-Question: How long will a foreclosure or bankruptcy show up on your credit report?


Tips for Getting Patio Furniture Spruced Up for Summer

RISMEDIA, June 29, 2009-(MCT)-Let's talk about cleaning more than just your chairs, if we may, since summer has arrived, and it's time to play outdoors. To clean woven furniture, you'll need to get into and around those intricate weaves. And ...


Mortgage Window Shopping – 5 Tips for Prospective Home Buyers

RISMEDIA, June 26, 2009-(MCT)-After a recent spike seen in mortgage rates, some consumers are wondering whether they've missed


Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

RISMEDIA, June 25, 2009-The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending June 19, 2009.


Have We Reached Bottom? 10 Factors to Consider

RISMEDIA, June 24, 2009-Historically, the value of real estate goes through cycles. Many factors affect the value of homes including the laws


Hard Times Make Credit Score Key

RISMEDIA, June 23, 2009-(MCT)-Americans' credit scores, the three-digit number that determines whether you'll get a loan and how much you'll pay for it,


How to Childproof Furniture

RISMEDIA, June 22, 2009-(MCT)-The number of children injured when furniture falls on them has jumped 40% over the past 20 years.