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Share ideas and learn about the latest in home improvement and décor from Tom and Leslie.

Money Pit Blogs

How to Get the Best Prices on Home Improvements

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

Filed under: News Now more than ever, people want to get the most for their home improvement dollar. There are definitely great deals to be had, but to get the best prices, you have to know where to look. Some of the surprises on this journey? It isn't always cheaper to do it yourself, and some...

Home Inspection Red Flags for Buyers

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

Filed under: MyNextMove After months of hunting, touring and haggling, you've finally found your perfect house. Like most buyers, you'll have it inspected. The home inspection is your chance to find out what's really going on under the hood before you commit to the purchase. Over the course of a...

Home Improvements for Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

With winter on the way, we're all about to spend more time indoors, so the timing couldn't be better for making home improvements for healthy indoor air quality. Today's homes are more tightly sealed than ever, and while that can mean better insulation and energy efficiency, it also has a...

Add Storage Space to Speed Home Sales

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

When it comes to residential real estate, storage space sells. No matter the age or style of property, prospective buyers check every closet, scope out the garage and generally look for bonus space where they can stash the stuff of everyday living. If you're considering putting your home on the...

Home Improvements Sellers Should Avoid

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

Everyone knows that a home's features can make or break a home sale, and that's truer now than ever. But when it comes time to sell your home, not all home-improvement projects are created equal. While some home improvements are worth the time and money that you put into them, just as many are...

Five Bathroom Renovations That Help Sell a Home

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

Bathroom renovations are one of the surest ways to help sell a home. And you don't have to break the bank to make improvements that will appeal to buyers. "Bathrooms are one area where home buyers make decisions because it will be one of the most used rooms in the house," says industry expert...

Kitchen Remodels to Add Value, Whether You're Selling or Staying

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

No matter the style or vintage of your house, a workable, up-to-date kitchen is a must. A kitchen remodel will make everyday routines more efficient and enjoyable. And if you're thinking of selling your home anytime soon, it will be a focal point for potential buyers and a big factor in their...

Working with Contractors: Preparation Prevents Problems

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

Winter is prime time for indoor remodeling jobs. But don't jump in just because a contractor suddenly has all the time in the world to work with you. When it comes to working with contractors, proper preparation is everything. You'll get the best price, best experience and best results--any time...

Buying an Old House? Plan for These Home Repairs

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

During my 20 years as a professional home inspector I've walked the floorboards of thousands of old houses. By now, I've developed an uncanny ability to predict the home repairs they'll need before even setting foot inside. It all comes down to understanding the decade-to-decade differences in...

Home Maintenance for the First-time Buyer

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 15:32 - Tom Kraeutler

First-time buyer Anna Daugherty learned the hard way that home maintenance is a new owner's responsibility. "One thing we completely forgot about was actually very simple. We forgot to get a shovel," says the Lansing, MI, resident. "This weekend, we had seven inches of snow fall in a short...