Own Home Style

How to Change an Air Conditioning Filter

Own Home Style — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:44:08 +0000

How to Change an Air Conditioner Filter

Did you know that you should not only change your air filters in summer, but year-round? That means you are to clean the filter also when you have the heater on instead of the air conditioner. It is important change the filter about 3-4 times a year to have clean air year round.

So, learning how to change air filters is an important task for homeowners and renters alike.

It’s easier however than you think, and your lungs will thank you daily, no doubt.

How to Change the Air Conditioner Filter

Change an air conditioner filter by locating the return air shaft, opening the grill up and pulling the old filter out. Learn about the different kinds of air filters to use for an air conditioner machine, such as high-efficiency filters and fiberglass filters, in this free video from a home repair specialist on maintaining and fixing houses.

This informative home maintenance video on Youtube explains the details:

Elegant Bathroom Design

Own Home Style — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:59:00 +0000

This elegant bathroom has it all: an abundance of natural light, a feature ceiling, a free standing bathtub, ample space throughout, an exquisite quilted mirror and matching framed artwork, and dark-stained hardwood flooring. The marble topped vanity states ‘Restoration Hardware’ or better, is tailor-made in top quality and style.

Elegance has been brought in the bathroom by wall paneling below Robin egg blue walls, though window framing plus a vintage chandelier with matching luxurious lampshades. A ornately detailed vintage chair and side table rounds it out. Monogrammed towels is the final touch. In sum: a classic look pulled together to perfection.

Bring in soft bathroom rugs and daily fresh flowers from the garden, and everyone would want to live there.

This bathroom designed by Windsor Smith (and found via House of Turquoise) has it all.

That is, it’s missing this wonderful fluffy bath mat (a DIY project made from recycled towels), but other than that, it’s perfect!

Curved Shower Doors as Small Bathroom Solution

Own Home Style — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:13:00 +0000

Once we were on vacation in a really small, ancient little village with tiny houses, somewhere in the middle of Italy. The streets were narrow, the bathroom was narrower.

Not a problem for this ingenious home designer, who obviously was aware of the best of Milano bathroom design could offer. He installed miraculous space-making shower doors, that made the bathroom luxurious and ‘just’ big enough.

When I came across this photo from the ‘Someonesprayer’s channel at tumbler, I wanted to share this wonderful solution for smaller bathrooms with you.

Something to remember for your next bathroom remodeling.

image source: http://someonesprayer.tumblr.com/post/17144640294/want

Latest News in Mortgages and Home Loans- Aug 07, 2011

Webmaster — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:53:17 +0000

Home ownership hits lowest level since 1965

As the foreclosure crisis continues to wreak havoc on the housing market, a source of national pride has taken a sour turn. Home ownership is on the decline and, according to a recent Morgan Stanley report, the United States is fast becoming a nation of renters.

Mortgage rates plunge

As Congress and President Obama hammered out a debt deal over the past week, mortgage rates plunged, flirting with new lows in some instances.

Responsible homeowners left out in the cold

Borrowers who have good credit and make their payments on time are being told that the only way they can refinance is if they start defaulting on payments.

Foreclosures fall in most U.S. cities

Foreclosures declined in more than 84% of U.S. metro areas during the first half of the year, according to the latest report from RealtyTrac, an online marketer of foreclosed properties. But that doesn’t mean these markets are staging a turnaround.

Home prices dip 4.5%

May home prices in 20 major cities dipped 4.5% from one year ago, marking a continued decline in the already battered housing market.

New home sales slip again in June

Sales of new single-family homes slipped for a second month in a row in June, falling short of estimates.

Countrywide borrowers to get $108 million in refunds

The FTC said nearly half a million consumers who were overcharged for services and fees by the mortgage lender will receive refund checks.

America’s ugliest homes

HomeVestors, the company that buys beat-up homes, fixes them up and resells them, is looking for the nation’s ugliest home. Here are six candidates.

Zillow shares pop in IPO

Shares of real estate site Zillow shot up 120% early in its public debut Wednesday, though they cooled a bit as the day continued.

Existing home sales dip in June

Sales of existing homes dipped in June as buyers unexpectedly backed out of contracts, according to the Realtors group.

Short sale fraud plagues housing market

Scammers are ripping off mortgage lenders by tens of thousands of dollars — sometimes in a matter of hours.

Formula 1 heiress buys Spelling mansion for $85 million

One of the most expensive homes of all time, the 56,500-square foot Spelling Manor, sold for a very steep discount Thursday — $85 million — or 43% off the original asking price.

False hopes for the housing market

RealtyTrac’s latest data shows a 29% drop in foreclosure filings, but the housing market is far from staging a recovery.

10 best cities to buy a rental property

Low home prices and relatively strong rents are expected to make real estate investors in these cities some healthy profits over the next few years.

Seinfeld asks $18 million for Colorado mansion

The comedian put his 14,200-square foot Telluride, Colo. vacation home on the market.

Help Keep the Dream of Home Ownership Alive. Stop the 20% Down Payment Requirement

Own Home Style — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:44:11 +0000

Time is running out for you to be heard. You have until August 1 to help our coalition of homeowners prevent an onerous new rule from taking effect that would significantly impact the ability of hardworking Americans to buy or sell a home. This rule would also likely effect home values in neighborhoods nationwide. If this new rule is finalized as law by the government, it would require home buyers to make at least a 20% down payment on a home purchase. If you are a homeowner wanting to sell in the future, a 20% down payment requirement would mean fewer buyers for your home, which means lower home values.
The federal regulators have taken a new law passed by Congress intended for banks to do a better job of securing loans and are trying to turn it into a penalty on home buyers. It’s not needed and simply stated—it’s bad for homeowners and buyers.

>> Take Action Now

Frank, we feel strongly that you as a future buyer or seller needed to know this information. It’s a fact: many hardworking, credit-worthy Americans have a difficult time saving for the down payment to buy a home. If enacted, the new regulation will make it even more difficult for many Americans to buy their next or first home.

>> Take Action Now

What can you do? Join us and take action now. Regulators in Washington need to hear the voices of homeowners as they make public policy. This is why your input is so important. We’ve made it easy for you to send a letter to the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ask that they drop the proposed 20% down payment requirement. It takes just a few seconds of your time. We have already drafted the letter for you with optional space for personal comments.

>> Take Action Now

Thank you! We hope you will join us in our ongoing efforts to help current and future homeowners protect the most important investment you will make.

About the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has been a champion of home ownership rights and opportunities for more than a century. Helping consumers become more informed, responsible home owners is important to the stability and value of the housing market – and your overall enjoyment of your home.

Latest News in Refinancing Home Mortgages – July 27, 2011

Webmaster — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:00:30 +0000

Home prices dip 4.5%

May home prices in 20 major cities dipped 4.5% from one year ago, marking a continued decline in the already battered housing market.

New home sales slip again in June

Sales of new single-family homes slipped for a second month in a row in June, falling short of estimates.

Countrywide borrowers to get $108 million in refunds

The FTC said nearly half a million consumers who were overcharged for services and fees by the mortgage lender will receive refund checks.

America’s ugliest homes

HomeVestors, the company that buys beat-up homes, fixes them up and resells them, is looking for the nation’s ugliest home. Here are six candidates.

Zillow shares pop in IPO

Shares of real estate site Zillow shot up 120% early in its public debut Wednesday, though they cooled a bit as the day continued.

Existing home sales dip in June

Sales of existing homes dipped in June as buyers unexpectedly backed out of contracts, according to the Realtors group.

Short sale fraud plagues housing market

Scammers are ripping off mortgage lenders by tens of thousands of dollars — sometimes in a matter of hours.

Formula 1 heiress buys Spelling mansion for $85 million

One of the most expensive homes of all time, the 56,500-square foot Spelling Manor, sold for a very steep discount Thursday — $85 million — or 43% off the original asking price.

False hopes for the housing market

RealtyTrac’s latest data shows a 29% drop in foreclosure filings, but the housing market is far from staging a recovery.

10 best cities to buy a rental property

Low home prices and relatively strong rents are expected to make real estate investors in these cities some healthy profits over the next few years.

Seinfeld asks $18 million for Colorado mansion

The comedian put his 14,200-square foot Telluride, Colo. vacation home on the market.

Obama’s housing scorecard

The Obama administration has announced yet another initiative to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Getting a mortgage with so-so credit

Getting a mortgage can be tough these days — even people with near-perfect credit have been rejected for loans. But for some lucky borrowers, things aren’t as bad as the doom-and-gloom crowd says.

Average home price in Manhattan: $1.4 million

High-end buyers came to Manhattan to spend money during the second quarter, helping to lift average prices for homes.

Home prices rise, snapping 8-month drop streak

The downward cycle in home prices broke in April after eight consecutive months of decline, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Latest News in Refinancing Home Mortgages – July 22, 2011

Webmaster — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:59:13 +0000

Child’s Play, Grown-Up Cash

Even in a troubled economy, some parents of means are willing to spend significant — if not eye-popping — sums on playhouses for their children.

On Location: A House Built on Trust

In the Virginia woods, a former nomad settles down in a 1,000-square-foot dream home designed by her lifelong best friend.

In the Garden: In Philadelphia, Going Green or Growing Wild?

The landscape designer Margie Ruddick received a summons for her unkempt-looking yard, but there’s logic in its wildness.

Domestic Lives: Back Home, via France

The author tracks down those who helped rescue her father-in-law in France during World War II, and finds a substitute home.

A Cube With a Clever Layout

For her $150,000 home outside Charlottesville, Va., Alison Threatt made a descriptive “mind map,” and the architects interpreted from there.

Playhouse Proud

High-end playhouses for children, which can cost as much as $200,000, come in a variety of styles, including replicas of real houses and fantastical creations like treetop hideouts.

Houses Made of Sticks and Stones

Meticulously and gorgeously wrought, Clark Sanders’s stone house and straw-bale structures in the Catskills are his calling cards.

Currents | Q&A: Designing a House in Which Every Surface Is Skateable

With the skateboarders Pierre-André Senizergues and Gil Le Bon Delapointe, a Los Angeles architect created a prototype of a house in which everything can be skated on.

Currents | Furniture: A Half-Century Later, a Wegner Chair Is Reborn

Hans J. Wegner’s Oculus chair, designed in 1960, has been relaunched by the furniture maker Carl Hansen & Son.

Currents | Audio: $22,100 for a Stereo (That’s the Budget Model)

Steinway Lyngdorf’s S-Series promises unbelievably crisp sound in a package that’s portable.

Currents | Events: A Short Film on Living Together, Apart

“Two’s a Crowd,” an affectionate 20-minute documentary, follows two 50-somethings as they move in together after four years of marriage.

Currents | Goods: Karim Rashid Recasts the Post-It

The company 3M asked the designer to rethink the delivery of the sticky note, as well as that of another classic — Scotch tape.

Currents | Deals: Sales at Garnet Hill, Ochre and Others

Discounts on bedding, furniture, lighting and more.

On Location: In Germany, Minimalism and Transparency

A woman in Berlin falls in love with an apartment once lived in by the chief architect for East Berlin.

International Real Estate: House Hunting in … Santiago

The Chilean housing market and economy in general have withstood the financial crisis.

HELP STOP the 20 Percent Down Payment Requirement

Own Home Style — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 07:35:18 +0000

A new and costly rule called Qualified Residential Mortgage, is being considered by federal regulators. If the proposal passes it would require homebuyers to make at least a 20% down payment on a home purchase for the most affordable rates. Federal regulators have taken a law passed by Congress intended to prevent future banking collapses and turned it into an unintended penalty on homebuyers.

It’s a fact: many hard-working, credit worthy Americans have a difficult time saving for the down payment to buy a home. This proposal would create a high down payment hurdle for first-time and low-income home buyers and make refinancing much more expensive for credit-worthy home owners too. Everyone will suffer.

Please make your voice heard. You can help keep the Dream of Home Ownership Alive. Simply fill in your name and address in the provided on this page and hit "Send this message".

HUD’s comment period closes August 1, 2011 so please act before the deadline.

Learn More About Qualified Residential Mortgages and our efforts to repeal the requirement

TAKE ACTION NOW

Click here to send message by going to this page!

About the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

NAR is North America’s largest professional association, representing over one million members. NAR created the Home Owner Action Center to alert home owners across the country about a critical decision that will be made soon by the Federal government that will seriously affect down payment rules on home mortgages.

The ability to buy, sell and own property has defined our nation throughout its history. Numerous studies have shown the value Americans place in home ownership. According to the 2010 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, first-time homebuyers cite the desire to own a home as the primary reason for their recent home purchase, and in the March 2011 Allstate-National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll nine out of ten home owners say they would buy their homes again. Americans still have a deep attachment to home ownership.

Please take a minute now to read more about the effort by NAR and more than 40 coalition partners to keep the Federal government from requiring a 20% downpayment on home mortgages. Requiring a 20% downpayment would shut the door to creditworthy homebuyers and threaten our economic recovery for years to come.

Latest News in Refinancing Home Mortgages – June 03, 2011

Webmaster — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 15:59:46 +0000

House Proud: The Instant Heirloom House

A writing professor filled her Nantucket home with the sort of furnishings that only look as if they might have been passed down for generations.

We Call It Brown. They Call It ‘Weekend in the Country.’

In a redoubled effort to capture consumers’ attention, paint companies are hoping to distinguish their brands with names that tell a story, summon a memory or evoke an emotion.

In the Garden: Manhattan’s Newest River

A garden of plants that like to have their feet wet find a home in an old interior courtyard at Columbia University.

Design Notebook: Your Chair, Mr. Aalto. Yes, It Now Has Eyes.

In a program at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, children took Chair 69, the classic piece by the modernist Alvar Aalto, and added paint, ribbons, felt and other adornments.

On Location: Little House on the Baltic

Two architects created an eco-friendly urban getaway in Helsinki that’s a 10-minute bike ride from their three-bedroom apartment.

Shopping With Jayne and Joan Michaels: Summer House Furnishings

The twins behind the Manhattan interior design firm 2Michaels shopped for summer-house décor that says “collapse and relax.”

In Nantucket, Furnishing a 19th-Century Home the 21st-Century Way

A writing professor scoured eBay for vintage items to create what she calls an “instant heirloom house.”

Letter: Gratitude for Gardens

Regarding “Nearer the Sun, but No Safer” (June 23).

Letter: Perches and Yurts

Regarding “Solitude (and Lots of Time to Read) Atop the Fire Lookout’s Perch” (June 2).

Currents | Q&A: David Hyde Pierce Will Be Your Host

The actor on his new movie, “The Perfect Host,” in which a bank robber interrupts a dinner party, and on his own travails in entertaining at home.

Currents | Events: The International Garden Festival in Quebec Nods to New Yo…

New York landscape architects and designers figure prominently at this year’s festival, which opened last weekend in Grand-Métis, Quebec.

Currents | Décor: A Reissued Bauhaus Bookcase

A piece that the painter Josef Albers made for Walter Gropius’s Weimar office will be recreated.

Currents | Outdoors: Furniture That’s Solid Like Stone, but Much Lighter

The Chicago designer Zachary Bitner’s new outdoor furniture is made of a mix of stone, sand and fiberglass.

Currents | Goods: Containers Tabbed for Easy Access

Keep Tabs containers, a set of nesting plastic containers with lids tabbed like file folders, create a colorful geometric display.

Currents | Deals: Sales at Alessi, Desiron and Others

Discounts on tableware, furniture and more.

Latest News in Mortgages and Home Loans- June 28, 2011

Webmaster — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:55:23 +0000

Home prices rise, snapping 8-month drop streak

The downward cycle in home prices broke in April after eight consecutive months of decline, according to a survey released Tuesday.

San Francisco’s rent riot

FORTUNE — Whether we’re living through another tech bubble remains hotly contested, but there’s no denying its impact on one market: rental apartments in San Francisco. With Twitter, Zynga, and numerous other local startups hiring in droves, all those newbies need somewhere to live. In the trendy SoMa and South Beach neighborhoods, says Paul Hwang of Skybox Realty, there may be up to five applications for every apartment listing. Most places are renting at an average of 10% to 20% higher than just six months ago; a $2,400-a-month one-bedroom can now top $2,700. “The last couple of years, people were happy to have a job,” says Hwang. “Now all I hear is, ‘I’m going to start my own thing.’ All that can be reflected in rent.”

Price of the new American dream home

Coldwell Banker compiled average home prices of four-bedroom homes in 2,300 towns across North America. See how your home compares.

Dreaming of a bigger home

When Wyonnie and Kwame Flaherty bought their two-bedroom apartment in Queens, N.Y., in 2008, they thought it was the perfect stepping-stone.

New home sales slip 2%

Sales of new homes fell 2.1% in May, after rising for two months in a row, as the housing market continues to struggle.

Winery for sale: Can you afford the good life?

From affordable properties for wine hobbyists to multimillion dollar estates for serious connoisseurs, here’s a look at 7 vineyards that are up for sale.

3 ways to save on home costs

Existing home sales drop 3.8%

Sales of existing homes fell in May, as severe weather and high gas prices weighed on the shaky housing market.

Foreclosures fall for 8th straight month

Foreclosure filings experienced their eighth straight month of declines, according to RealtyTrac.

Glimmer of optimism in housing report

Permits for housing construction climbed in May, signaling a glimmer of optimism among homebuilders about the future of the housing market.

10 most expensive housing markets

What housing collapse? These 10 real estate markets boast some of the highest prices for homes in the country.

Squatter Nation: 5 years with no mortgage payment

Charles and Jill Segal have not made a mortgage payment in nearly five years — but they continue to live in their five-bedroom West Palm Beach, Fla. home.

Treasury punishes top servicers for failing troubled homeowners

Three top mortgage servicers are doing such a bad job at foreclosure prevention that the Obama administration will stop paying them for modifying delinquent loans.

Housing expert still sees price plunge

In an off-hand remark before cameras and microphones, economist and housing market guru Robert Shiller opined earlier this year that he would not be shocked if there was another 10% to 25% in the nation’s home price plunge — and he’s not backing down from that statement.

Walk away from your mortgage? Time to get ‘ruthless’

Should you keep paying your mortgage on a home that’s dwindling in value?