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How to make your home safer and possibly reduce your bottom line

You probably take the safety of your home very seriously. But did you know that it might be possible to save money if you make your home safer? -

You probably take the safety of your home very seriously. But did you know that it might be possible to save money if you make your home safer?

By following safe building practices and adding safety features to your home, it may be possible to save money immediately through lower rates on property insurance coverage. Making your home safer might also help if you decide to sell your house, as it could add value to your home.

The following tips may help improve your home and help reduce your expenditures:

* Follow local building codes if you add on to your house. Call city hall before you make any improvements to make sure you are meeting standards. Not following building codes can both compromise safety and cause additional construction costs (or loss of value upon a sale) if your home doesn't pass an inspection.

* Install a home security system. This step to prevent home burglary may also allow you to receive a reduction on a property insurance policy. Installing dead-bolt locks can also prevent burglary and possibly qualify you for an insurance discount.

* Fire prevention is key. Smoke detectors are a must for any home and in some cases, may allow you to receive a minimal insurance price cut. Some sophisticated sprinkler systems that automatically notify the fire station may qualify you for a larger reduction.

* Protect against disasters. Depending on what area of the country you live in, it might make sense to make home improvements that can help protect your house in the case of common disasters. Using stronger building materials or avoiding moving to a home in a disaster-prone area can help you save on property insurance, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

* If you make major improvements to your home, like installing a new plumbing or electrical system, it's wise to let your insurance company know because you may qualify for discounts.

If you're thinking about making any improvements to your home, it's a good idea to check with an insurance agent beforehand to see if they qualify for lower rates. It's possible that making your home safer will help you to reduce your expenditures.

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Get your home ready for the new year

For many, the new year means a fresh start and there is no better place to begin than inside the home. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in inefficient systems and less-than-perfect conditions. To keep your home looking and operating like the day you purchased it, here are a few easy maintenance projects that will make a big impact in the end. -

(ARA) - For many, the new year means a fresh start and there is no better place to begin than inside the home. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in inefficient systems and less-than-perfect conditions.

To keep your home looking and operating like the day you purchased it, Ace Hardware's home expert, Lou Manfredini, suggests a few easy maintenance projects that will make a big impact in the end.

Give your baseboards the protection they need
While adding a new coat of paint to your walls is always a good idea when maintaining your home, Manfredini also recommends you freshen up your baseboards, which often see the most wear and tear. Wash them down using a pine-based cleaner, a little bit of warm water and a sponge to remove dirt and grime. Then touch up your baseboards with paint to protect them and keep them looking brand new. Paint like Ace's Cabinet, Door and Trim Enamel is washable and scratch resistant so it can withstand any busy home.

Save thousands with a little bit of caulk
Over time the excessive use of a bathtub or shower can lead to cracks in your grout and caulking. These cracks are not only unsightly, but can cause greater leakage problems costing you thousands of dollars if not fixed immediately.

The good news is this problem can be resolved easily and inexpensively. Manfredini recommends using silicone-based caulk, which ensures a fast-drying, smooth surface and creates a strong seal to prevent leakage. Start by peeling away the old caulk and making sure the surface is completely dry before re-applying. One of his favorites is G.E's Silicone II Kitchen & Bath Caulk.

Become your own professional carpet cleaner
With heavy traffic, household carpeting takes a beating almost daily, collecting dirt, grime, outdoor particles and plenty of dust. Not only are these items harmful to your health, they will wear down your carpeting ... and do so quickly. While its good practice to vacuum on a weekly basis, cleaning your carpeting every 90 to 120 days will give you a cleaner home and prolong the life of your carpeting. Hiring a professional can be expensive, so Manfredini suggests you stop by your local hardware store to rent a carpet cleaning system for a fraction of the cost of having the work done professionally.

Make sure the air you breathe is the best
Anyone with allergies knows that air quality is very important. This applies inside the home as much as outside.

A great way to prevent bad air circulating in your home - and make sure your equipment is running efficiently - is by replacing the air filters in your forced-air furnace. Manfredini recommends using pleated filters because they do a better job of filtering internal air. These filters are inexpensive and take about five minutes to replace.

Keep your gutters free of clutter
Clearing your gutters is the link to a dry home and it's important to clean them out at least twice a year. There are a number of options on the market that make the job easier. The Smart Screen 5 inch Aluminum Gutter Screen is a good option because it attaches to the front of the gutter, providing a permanent barrier to keep leaves, pine needles, debris, ice and snow from clogging. Another leaf blocking option is a flexible foam insert that blocks leaves and debris.

For more home maintenance projects and tips, visit www.acehardware.com or stop by your neighborhood Ace Hardware store.

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Don't let your holidays become an opportunity for criminals

For many of us, the holidays are a mixture of fun and frantic shopping, joyful times and a hectic pace. Criminals, however, see the holiday season as full of opportunities - the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal chaos. Fortunately, by taking some simple precautions, you protect your home, purchases and identity from predators this holiday season. -

(ARA) - For many of us, the holidays are a mixture of fun and frantic shopping, joyful times and a hectic pace. Criminals, however, see the holiday season as full of opportunities - the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal chaos.

"With everything going on, the holiday season is no time to let your guard down when it comes to home security," says Jim Boots of Protection 1 (www.protection1.com), the largest privately owned security company in the U.S. "Criminals know that our holiday habits can leave our homes, belongings and personal information vulnerable. It's important to be vigilant throughout the year, and especially during the holidays. According to the FBI, there's a burglary every 14 seconds in the U.S. And, with homes and cars filled with new gifts and gadgets, the holidays are an especially lucrative time for thieves."

Fortunately, by taking some simple precautions, you protect your home, purchases and identity from predators this holiday season.

Secure your home

"Burglars know many people travel during the holidays, and many more will leave brand-new, valuable merchandise in their homes when they're out," Boots says. "A criminal is more likely to target a home that looks vulnerable. The best thing homeowners can do to protect their homes is to make it clear to burglars that their house won't be an easy mark."

Reduce the risk of burglary by:

* Putting inside and outside lights on a timer to make your home look occupied while you're away.

* Keeping bushes, trees and decorations from obscuring the view of your front door from the road.

* Suspending newspaper and mail delivery if you'll be away for several days.

* Arranging for snow removal in case of a fresh snowfall while you're away.

Consider installing a cost-effective home security system, provided by a trusted company such as Protection 1, that allows you to control everything remotely from a mobile or Web-based system such as a smart phone or laptop. A home without a security system is two to three times more likely to be burglarized, according to a study by Temple University. With Protection 1's eSecure service you can check on, arm or disarm your home security system remotely, communicate with the system via text message, and even place sensors on specific areas inside your home that you want to protect such as jewelry boxes, TVs or even the gifts under the Christmas tree. The service also provides portable surveillance cameras that you can place in your home, or take with you to monitor the inside of your hotel room while you're out.

While you're keeping bad guys out, don't overlook fire safety as well. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the top days for home candle fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, resulting in six deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage, the administration's statistics show. Remember, never leave candles burning and don't overload electrical sockets with decorative lights. However, should there be an accident a monitored system from Protection 1 automatically dispatches the fire department just in case you're away from the house, asleep or unable to respond.

Stay safe when you're out

Thieves know our holiday shopping habits and can make us vulnerable to theft while we're out and about. From breaking into cars to "shoulder surfing" for credit card information and PIN numbers, criminals take every opportunity to brighten the holidays for themselves. When holiday shopping, keep these safety tips in mind:

* Never leave shopping bags, wrapped gifts or other valuables visible inside the car. Always place them in the trunk. Thieves are more likely to break into a vehicle if they can see the loot in it.

* Carry only the credit card you need and one piece of ID when shopping. Leave your Social Security card at home or in a secure place.

* Be aware of who might be looking over your shoulder as you type a PIN number.

* Never allow a store clerk to take your credit card out of your sight.

* Enroll in an identity theft protection service like LifeLock, which monitors your credit and can alert you if a piece of your personal information is used incorrectly in an application for credit or services.

"By taking some precautions, homeowners and shoppers can ensure the holidays stay bright for themselves and their families - and not for criminals," Boots says.

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Vacation homes: From a dream to a $35,000 income stream

For those who've ever dreamed of buying a vacation home in the mountains, on the beach, or in the big city, it's becoming easier and more common for people to make that dream a reality. In fact, Americans bought more than half a million vacation homes last year, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). -

(ARA) - For those who've ever dreamed of buying a vacation home in the mountains, on the beach, or in the big city, it's becoming easier and more common for people to make that dream a reality.

In fact, Americans bought more than half a million vacation homes last year, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Low mortgage rates, median sale prices that were down more than 15 percent, and the potential for generating substantial rental revenue are among the reasons many have made their dreams of a second home come true.

While baby boomers have historically led vacation home purchases, nearly half of the buyers in 2009 were under the age of 45, and the median household income of vacation home buyers was $87,500 - down from $99,100 just two years ago.

"An increasing number of younger buyers are getting into the market, seeing a vacation home as a long-term investment and a source for ongoing personal enjoyment and memories," says Tom Kelly, author of "How a Second Home Can Be Your Best Investment."

Kelly points to the NAR Investment and Home Buyers Survey that found vacation home owners plan to own their homes for an average of 16 years, up from 12 years in 2008 and 10 years in 2007.

Offsetting the cost of vacation home ownership

More people are able to afford a vacation home due in large part to the potential revenue stream that comes with renting the home to travelers - something that's become especially easy thanks to the rapid growth of the online vacation rental industry in the past few years.

HomeAway, Inc., which operates online vacation rental sites HomeAway.com, VRBO.com and VacationRentals.com, has grown dramatically since it was founded in 2005. The company now boasts more than 540,000 vacation home listings.

"Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for vacation home owners to advertise their properties and manage their bookings online," says Brian Sharples, founder and chief executive officer of HomeAway. "We literally deliver millions of rental inquiries each year to our owners who list their homes for rent on our sites."

Those inquiries can lead to substantial revenue. Sharples says the average second home owner rents out their property to travelers about 20 weeks a year, generating more than $35,000 in rental income annually.

"The rental income that our home owners generate can help cover a typical second home mortgage as well as basic home maintenance and repairs," he adds.

Tips for generating rental income from a vacation home

For those in the market to buy a vacation home, Kelly offers the following tips for where to buy, what to consider and how to maximize rental income.

1. Carefully review the destinations where you enjoy vacationing, and before you buy, consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high.

2. Talk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home.

3. When you're ready to rent out the property, be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by advertising it on sites like HomeAway.com or VRBO.com.

4. Check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates they're charging, and price your home competitively.

For more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income, visit HomeAway's online community for vacation rental owners at www.ownercommunity.com.

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Show off your personality through your garage door

Your home, its furnishings and exterior style, probably are more reflective of your personality than anything else in your life. Only the clothes on your back would come close to matching the relevance of your home in terms of making a visible statement about your style and personality. Even the style of garage door that you select is reflective of your personal tastes. -

(ARA) - An old adage says that if you live with a spouse or even a pet long enough, you may begin to look like your significant other or precious pooch. While it seems a stretch to some, there's a fair amount of truth in the notion that people tend to surround themselves with other people and things that capture their own looks and personalities.

It's fairly common to see one well-toned person on a tread mill at the local gym alongside his or her equally well-toned spouse. A feisty international traveler might enjoy a kindred spirit with an eager, well-groomed poodle. And a couple of warm-hearted grandparents who like an occasional afternoon nap probably pair well with a basket of happily purring cats.

Some people may even look like their homes. Like the people and pets in our lives, our surroundings say a lot about who we are, what we like and how we strive to look. If you're the cutting-edge type, you probably fit well with a sleek, modern dwelling. For those with more traditional personalities, you would be right at home in a Victorian, Craftsman or other historical home.

Your home, its furnishings and exterior style, probably are more reflective of your personality than anything else in your life. Only the clothes on your back would come close to matching the relevance of your home in terms of making a visible statement about your style and personality.

Even the style of garage door that you select is reflective of your personal tastes. That's right - you may look like your garage door. Think about it. Your garage door is probably the largest accessory you'll ever select. With the enormous variety of garage door styles available today, there's a look for every distinctive personality.

"A generation ago, most garage doors were fairly plain and largely reflected their functionality. Flat white doors with occasional windows were about all that you saw on Main Streets across America," says Vickie Lents of Amarr Garage Doors. "Around 1990, it all changed when garage door manufacturers began offering a much wider range of garage door styles, colors and options. Suddenly people began caring about the design of their garage door and how it fit in with the rest of their personal and architectural leanings."

For those who have an old soul, garage doors with a European Old World design and wrought iron decorative details are a perfect fit. People with more traditional, rustic personalities often find themselves accenting their homes with solid wood garage doors made of mahogany, Douglas fir and Spanish cedar.

For all the non-conformists out there, Amarr recently introduced a residential full-view garage door. Full-view doors have the modern, glass paneled look of a door you might more commonly find on an auto showroom or fire department. Lents says that non-conformist personality types often take it a step further by using the glass full-view doors to divide rooms inside homes, particularly downtown lofts.

Who says you have to select a sleek, glass-paneled or decorative wrought iron garage door to make a statement about your personality? If you're the quiet, no-frills type, there's no need to worry. There's a garage door for you, too. Garage door manufacturers still make the durable, plain white garage doors that do their functional jobs day in and day out almost without notice.

"In fact, time-honored plain garage doors continue to be one of our best sellers," says Lents.

Want to find a garage door that matches your unique personality? Spend a rainy afternoon with your significant other or family pet at your side perusing the scores of garage doors styles available at www.Amarr.com to find one that is reflective of your own flair.

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Selling your home in 2011? Tips to add value during winter months

Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects. -

Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects:

Make a first impression.
The entryway is the first up-close encounter a potential homebuyer will have with your home. Manicure your front yard and update or even replace your front door to complement your home's exterior. Select a rich, dark stained wood or bold white door to draw attention to the main entry and add personality to your home. If your door is already in great shape, consider a simple replacement of weak or older-looking hardware that will impress buyers at first sight.

Get cookin' in the kitchen.
Experts agree that a kitchen can significantly impact a home's perceived value. An outdated kitchen can be a deal breaker for many homebuyers. Naturally, then, it's the place you might spend the most amount of time updating. To increase the appeal of your kitchen, consider investing in updated, matching appliances that match the style of your kitchen. Some manufacturers even offer replacement panels to update the exteriors of older appliances.

Next, if you can't afford to add new cabinetry, change out the hardware so the knobs, drawer pulls and handles match your decor and add a modern flair. Adding technology-driven fixtures, including built-in water filtration systems, garbage disposals and high-tech faucets is another great way to increase the room's appeal. Delta Faucet's Touch2O Technology will impress homebuyers and add a sense of luxury to the room. The technology enables users to turn the faucet on and off with just a touch anywhere on the spout or handle, and is available on a variety of models.

Update and upgrade light fixtures.
Lighting is key. It can drastically change the look and feel of a room, and lighting fixtures are affordable and relatively simple to install on your own. Shop discount stores and home improvement depots to find a statement piece to add spice to your living room. A beautiful ceiling fan with lighting can serve double-duty to update your family room. Remember, well-lit and bright rooms appear larger and more open.

Step on it.
Flooring is one of the first things that potential homebuyers notice. Make sure you dust, vacuum and clean so that you show off the flooring to its best advantage. If you have carpet, consider replacing it with wood floors or wood alternatives. If you already have hardwood floors, polish and protect your flooring so that it gleams when potential buyers step into the home.

Whether you're trying to sell your home this winter or simply want to update its look, you don't have to wait until the spring thaws. When the cold weather drives you inside, take advantage of the time to make attractive upgrades that can increase the appeal and value to your home.

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Economy, housing market drive smaller, smarter home-remodeling projects

It is best to make useful improvements that will appeal to a wide range of buyers down the road, say experts. Proceeding cautiously, homeowners are therefore thinking twice before undertaking major projects. When they do decide to remodel, they are sticking with smaller, tried-and-true improvements - like adding a bathroom. -

(ARA) - Things may be looking up, but the economy remains sluggish. That reality, coupled with tight lending and home resale uncertainty, is driving consumers to prioritize home improvements based not just on immediate need, but also on potential appeal to future buyers.

For the most part, it is best to make useful improvements that will appeal to a wide range of buyers down the road, say experts. Proceeding cautiously, homeowners are therefore thinking twice before undertaking major projects. When they do decide to remodel, they are sticking with smaller, tried-and-true improvements - like adding a bathroom.

Bathroom additions are a wise renovation option, according to Remodeling magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. An added bath can be expected to recoup just less than 60 percent of its cost at resale.

Cost-effective solution

Fortunately, creating a new bath need not be costly - especially in spaces that lack below-floor drainage; that is, where a bathroom does not currently exist, such as a basement, an attic, a garage or even a bedroom closet. In these situations, many plumbers recommend installing macerating, above-floor plumbing.

"With a macerating, or up-flush, toilet, there is no need to break up the floor to install drainage lines," says Al Warren, a licensed plumbing contractor for more than 30 years and owner of Warren Brothers Mechanical Contractors in Stafford Springs, Conn. Warren uses Saniflo brand macerating plumbing systems.

"This technology," he continues, "makes it possible to inexpensively install a brand new bathroom in any room in the house, including the basement."

Up-flush technology isn't new, having been invented a half-century ago, but its application is growing rapidly. These systems pump waste and water from toilets and sinks upward through small-diameter piping that transfers the waste to the sewer or septic tank. Unlike sewage ejectors, up-flush systems evacuate waste immediately through this piping, rather than storing it in a holding tank.

William and Jane Sprague from Annapolis, Md., wanted a bathroom in their basement family room, but they didn't want the high cost and expense of digging up the concrete floor to create drainage. In addition, space for the proposed bathroom was limited. Up flush plumbing saved the Spragues money and simplified their half-bath remodeling project. "We've had a lot of compliments" on the new bathroom, says Jane Sprague. "It's very small, but I love it. It's worked out perfect for us."

Multi-generational households

Bathroom additions remain extremely popular, and with the increase in extended-family households, what could be more important to personal convenience and privacy than adding a bathroom? Recent U.S. Census data showed that a record 49 million Americans now live in multi-generational households. That rising trend will likely impact future buying needs, so savvy homeowners are making strategic improvements now.

When it comes to bath additions, Saniflo up-flush systems can help. "Time and again, clients ask me for advice and guidance to update their bathrooms without breaking the bank," says April Bettinger, owner of Nip Tuck Remodeling in Woodinville, Wash. "They are happy to have recommendations for products that will hold up well, provide a useful life and look nice at the same time," she says.

Appealing to future buyers

Here are some additional tips for making the most of your bathroom-remodeling investment, whether you are creating a new space or upgrading an existing one:

* Choose neutral colors that make decorating easy.

* Install a pedestal sink and a recessed medicine cabinet to reduce crowding in small baths.

* Install grab bars in the shower and around the tub. Position them so that small children as well as adults can easily reach them.

* Choose child-friendly rounded edges for vanity tops.

Learn more about low-cost above-floor bathroom systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling (800) 571-8191.

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Hardwoods in unlikely places

The no-no's about using hardwood near a water source are vanishing. And while allowing water to rest on a wooden surface for extended periods will always be a no-no, the American Hardwood Information Center, www.HardwoodInfo.com, finds that more design professionals are saying yes to client requests for the warmth, charm and richness of natural wood no matter where it's used -- in the bath, the kitchen and even the basement. -

(ARA) - The no-no's about using hardwood near a water source are vanishing. And while allowing water to rest on a wooden surface for extended periods will always be a no-no, the American Hardwood Information Center, finds that more design professionals are saying yes to client requests for the warmth, charm and richness of natural wood no matter where it's used -- in the bath, the kitchen and even the basement.

"I recently designed a bathroom that was all hardwood," reports Douglas Wright of Miller & Wright Architects in New York City. "The only place we used stone was in the shower. Everything else was maple - floor, walls, ceiling." What about the inevitable splashing that baths are prone to?

But remember - it's important to always dry splashes immediately. With normal use and proper cleaning, these surfaces should last indefinitely. Wright adds that for greater dampness protection, "We applied several coats of matte polyurethane. If water splatters out of the sink or shower, it doesn't stain anything and with that low-luster finish, the wood looks completely natural."

For a New Hampshire kitchen, Wright designed a maple backsplash and counter. Wood as a kitchen work surface "seemed kind of crazy at the time," he says, "but it turned out beautifully." His only caveat: Use a cutting board to avoid possible scratches or scars.

To extend the durability of any work surface, a protective sealer is always wise. "Applying three coats of polyurethane to hardwood allows the rich, warm color to come through and you don't have to worry about the surface," Wright says. "It resists water and cleans easily - just wipe up the splashes and spills." Other pros agree.

Indianapolis kitchen and interior designer Janice Pattee had no qualms about specifying a walnut countertop for the peninsula in a kitchen makeover. "The cabinets were white-painted maple. For contrast, the client chose grained wood." She particularly loved the double-ogee edge that made the peninsula look like fine furniture. Though it's mainly a breakfast bar, it often serves as auxiliary work space.

In another kitchen remodel, Mark T. White of Kitchen Encounters in Annapolis, used another elegant hardwood to create the circular extension to a stone countertop and the top of a rectangular island. "The clients chose cherry because of its color and grain," he says. "The surfaces were lightly stained for color uniformity, then a top coat and sealer were applied - four coats in all. Of course we urged using cutting boards and trivets, to prevent possible damage from sharp knives or hot pots."

The flooring, which flows into a formal dining room and a casual family room, is oak with a light- to medium-brown stain. "In an open kitchen like this," says White, "if we'd switched to tile or some other surface, the floor would've become an awkward interruption. And people prefer hardwood to tile or other kitchen flooring materials. It's generally more comfortable on the legs and feet, and more forgiving if you drop something."

New York City interior designer John A. Buscarello is particularly proud of the wood-enhanced basement he completed in a Long Island home. Dampness was a potential problem because the space was mostly below grade.

"The white oak floor is over a plywood subfloor that was built above a liquid vapor barrier applied to the concrete," Buscarello says. "Several coats of polyurethane were applied to the oak, so the surface is protected and can be cleaned with a damp or dry mop."

Architect Wright designed a wine cellar entirely of oak for a Southampton homeowner. With a floor of dark-stained oak and the walls and ceiling of limed oak, Wright confesses, "I'd never done a wine cellar where every surface was hardwood. When considering wood in areas like this, it's important to make sure the homeowners know what to expect in terms of maintenance and durability. There's always a little humidity in a wine cellar, but once you've protected the surfaces with a vapor barrier, they're fine."

The consensus among design professionals, then, is that you can enjoy the look and durability of natural hardwood no matter where you put it. Be sure to protect the surface against standing water and wear, and use it wisely. For other great hardwood decorating tips, visit the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo.com.

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Ten things to keep in mind when renting a home or apartment

Rent vs. own? More Americans are wrestling with that question as the economy continues its slow recovery. Even though homes are selling at record lows, many Americans are choosing to rent instead, maintaining their mobility and financial flexibility until the economy, as well as their job prospects, improve. -

(ARA) - Rent vs. own? More Americans are wrestling with that question as the economy continues its slow recovery. Even though homes are selling at record lows, many Americans are choosing to rent instead, maintaining their mobility and financial flexibility until the economy, as well as their job prospects, improve.

More than 38 million people currently rent their primary residence, which represents about one-third of total U.S. residences, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With the recent downturn in the economy and the spike in foreclosures, the demand for apartments and homes to rent has grown steadily in many parts of the country. For those new to renting or those who haven't rented a place to live since college or their early 20s, it's important to understand your legal rights, according to the legal experts at FindLaw.com, a leading online source of legal information. Knowing your rights can help you avoid being taken advantage of or, avoid problems that could arise between you and your landlord.

Every renter should become familiar with these 10 tips from FindLaw.com:

Know your rights. It is illegal for a landlord to refuse your rental application for discriminatory reasons such as race, sex, color, religion, class, etc. If your application to rent an apartment is rejected, you have a right to know why. Landlords cannot say an apartment is unavailable if it isn't or use a different set of rules for assessing different applicants.

Background checks. Landlords want responsible, trouble-free tenants. To aid them in selecting a renter, they can use background checks and credit reports to learn about a prospective tenant's credit worthiness and potential criminal record. If you're dealing with these issues, it's often a good policy to be upfront with the landlord about any problems that may be revealed during a background check to gain the trust of the landlord.

What should be included in the lease or rental agreement? A lease can be wordy, but make sure that it has these important aspects: length of tenancy (month-to-month, one year or another period of time), amount of rent and deposits the tenant must pay, the number of people who can live on the rental property, who pays for utilities, whether the tenant may have pets, whether the tenant may sublet the property, and the landlord's access to the rental property.

Keep a written copy. While most states honor a verbal agreement, they are more likely to cause a dispute. Findlaw.com recommends getting your lease agreement in writing and using it as a reference for any complications that happen during your time as a tenant. If a landlord offers any additional benefits for renting, make sure those are spelled out in the rental agreement.

Call the landlord with a maintenance problem. Usually the landlord is responsible for all maintenance issues. Document the problem by writing down the date it started and taking pictures if necessary. In some agreements, landlords need to respond to the maintenance issue, so refer to your lease for specifics. If they don't respond, typical options include withholding a portion of rent until the problem is fixed, paying for the repair yourself and deducting the amount from your rent, or abandoning the property altogether without liability. Check the laws in your state.

Noisy neighbor. One of the biggest hassles of renting is dealing with a noisy neighbor. If your neighbor is disturbing you, notify your landlord. In most leases, tenants agree to be respectful of those around them. It's also a good idea to use your landlord as a third-party enforcer to preserve the relationship between you and your noisy neighbor.

Safety first. In many states, landlords must provide minimum safety equipment such as peepholes, deadbolts, window locks and safety glass. If your landlord promises certain safety features, make sure he or she follows through on those promises. Ask other neighbors about the security and safety of the area before renting an apartment.

Get renter's insurance. Renter's insurance is relatively cheap and will protect you where your landlord's insurance won't. If you suffer losses due to theft or damage or are sued by someone who alleges they were injured in your rental because of your negligence, renter's insurance can cover you and save you from a large financial loss.

Preserve your security deposit. Security deposits are one of the most disputed items between landlord and tenants, so make sure that your lease clearly spells out the exact manner in which your deposit will be used or withheld. When you first move in, do an extensive walk-through to record existing damage and keep a copy of whatever report you give to the landlord.

Handling an eviction. It's hard to decide how to handle an eviction. If you can prove that the landlord was wrong, then it may be worth it to fight against the eviction notice and protect your rights as a tenant. Sometimes, it's not worth the fight even if you win. Remember that in some cases you will still have to continue to deal with the same landlord. Also remember if you lose a lawsuit, you'll be evicted and have to pay a hefty fine.

To learn more about tenants' rights, go to FindLaw.com.

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Keep spring pests from hatching in your home

As spring approaches, homeowners won't be the only ones opting for stay-cations. Insects that hibernate during cold winter months reappear in the spring, setting their sights on a location closer to home than you think - the safety and warmth of your house. -

(ARA) - As spring approaches, homeowners won't be the only ones opting for stay-cations. Insects that hibernate during cold winter months reappear in the spring, setting their sights on a location closer to home than you think - the safety and warmth of your house.

Hundreds of thousands of pests breed and hatch in large numbers in early spring. For example, most spiders live either one to two seasons and one female spider may produce as many as 3,000 eggs.

"Hidden places in your home could be the breeding ground for pests that hatch in spring," says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products used in and around homes and businesses. "Once these pests hatch, their numbers quickly increase, and food sources and shelter often determine the length of their stay."

Pests like bed bugs and stink bugs that have found their way into homes across the country often stay year round, as long as they find food and shelter.

Also, as the spring real estate market heats up, many lenders are requiring re-inspections that could reveal pest-related health and safety hazards. At least buyers and sellers are on the same page about one thing: the importance of taking preventive action to avoid or manage pest infestations. Ask any pest management professional to share horror stories about problems new homeowners have experienced with pests, often with repercussions for sellers who neglected to fix a problem.

What can homeowners and sellers do? Take these easy-to-follow steps, suggested by the acronym I.N.S.P.E.C.T:

INvestigate - Become a pest detective and investigate your home or a potential new home for pest problems. On the inside of your home, open food containers, look for cracks in interior walls, look for signs of droppings, check vents to the outside, holes in window screens and know that pests like to hide in cool, dark places like attics and basements. On the outside of your home, make sure the cold temperatures aren't causing cracks in your exterior walls, and investigate for holes, unsealed garbage cans, woodpiles and plants that may be too close to the home. Also, check any structure that can hold standing water, which is a favorite breeding ground for mosquitos. Also check for stinging insect nests on the ground or in your gutters.

Study - Identify your pest problem so that you can use the proper method to solve or control the issue. Take time to search reputable online sites to identify pests. You can also contact a university extension office, or visit a local garden store that may have insight on common pests in the area.

Prepare - Think about the tools you'll need to solve your problem, including gloves, caulk and insecticides or herbicides. "One of the most common problems homeowners have is that they aren't sure which products to use or who to call to solve the problem," says Janet Hurley, integrated pest management specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. "Doing your research, talking to professionals and correctly using the products are the quickest ways to effectively end those pesky pest problems."

Eliminate - Take the time to eliminate access points and other inviting entryways for pests lurking outside. Remember to seal windows, caulk gaps around windows and doors and fix any water leaks. Be ready to tackle neglected or overgrown shrubs and trees near your home. These areas encourage ticks, fleas and stinging insects to stay, increasing your risk for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and infections and allergic reactions resulting from bites and stings.

Clean - Pests need a place to live, food and a source of water, so make sure you aren't providing them with room, board and all the comforts of home. For example, store cereals, crackers and other food items in plastic containers with secure lids. Without easy access, pests won't be able to find their way into your food.

Treat - Treating pest problems with the responsible use of pesticide products will help keep your home, lawn and community pest-free. This includes purchasing the right products for your problem. For some significant pest problems, such as termites, calling a certified pest professional is the best option.

To make inspecting your home easy, visit www.debugthemyths.com/inspectandprotect for a step-by-step checklist. You'll also find additional resources including regional fact sheets, kids' activities and other helpful information to help you protect your family's health and your property value from pests.

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