Housing Chatter delivers the news you need to know about current events in the housing market in simple terms. We have no political or institutional affiliations so you can be confident that our content and commentary is unbiased. Housing Chatter is brought to you by your professional Realtor®.

Gas Grill Buying Guide | Outdoor Gas Grill Options

There may be no home cooking appliance with a wider price range than the outdoor gas grill. With models starting as low as $29 and climbing to $5,000 and higher, it is an understatement to say there’s is a model for every budget. When shopping for a gas grill, the motto “You get what you pay for” is especially fitting, explains Dan Marguerite, owner ... Read More »

How To Budget For Home Remodel | Home Remodel Budgeting

What’s on your remodeling wish list? Maybe you’re longing for a spa-like master bathroom, a new eat-in kitchen, or a garage with space enough to fit your cars and your outdoor gear. Well, when it comes to home improvements, knowing what you want is the easy part. The tougher question is figuring out how much you can afford. Follow this four-step plan to ... Read More »

Installing a Swimming Pool - Tips for Homeowners

If you long to take a dip in a pool at your convenience, and you have room to install one, building a swimming pool can provide hours of relaxation and fun. But before you begin, assess your wants and needs. Indoor pools will either require construction of an addition to your home or an outbuilding. If you have a building in mind for your pool, make sure it ... Read More »

Solar Pool Heaters | Save Energy with Solar Pool Heaters

Homeowners in search of a greener and more economical method of keeping their swimming pools warm are harnessing the sun’s energy. Solar pool heaters can lower energy costs because they rely primarily on a free and renewable energy source, rather than electricity or natural gas.Solar pool heaters cost more upfront than traditional alternatives, perhaps ... Read More »

Upgrade Your Deck | Deck Upgrade Options and Information

A deck is one of the most cost-effective of all home improvement projects. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck project returns an average of about 70% of the investment cost — one of the highest values in the survey. You can ensure you’re getting the most from this smart investment with low-cost ... Read More »

Radon Gas Mitigation | What Is Radon Gas?

If you’ve tested and determined elevated levels of radon gas in your home, don’t worry. Radon mitigation methods can reduce levels by 99%, allowing you to breathe easy.Radon gas mitigation: Simple strategies If radon test results indicate that levels in your home are only slightly elevated—less than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air): Caulk cracks ... Read More »

Is Your Carpet Pad Making You Sick?

Carpet pads manufactured from recycled foam products are causing unease among environmental researchers. The problem is flame-retardants added to foam padding prior to a 2005 ban. Commonly referred to as PBDEs, these flame retardants slowly migrate into the carpeting and bind with dust, which can be released into the air and inhaled.Why the concern? Some ... Read More »

Emergency Preparedness Kit | Emergency Preparedness Kit Contents

Preparing a home emergency preparedness kit you hope never to use may seem like a waste of time and money. But when disasters happen that are beyond your control, you can take charge of how you respond. “What became clear in Hurricane Katrina is that in big events, the government isn’t going to come to your aid right away. You have to be prepared to ... Read More »

Flood Control | Flood Prevention

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, causing $2.7 billion in losses between 2001 and 2010, according to the National Flood Insurance Program, a government-sponsored pool that provides flood insurance to home owners. Your home owners insurance policy doesn’t cover flooding: You generally need to buy a separate flood insurance ... Read More »

House Fire Safety Tips | Reduce House Fire Chances

Malibu beach houses and mobile homes all burn down. Any home can catch fire and any home owner can die in the blaze. In 2009, house fires caused 2,565 deaths, 12,650 injuries, and $7.6 billion in direct damage. Usually one or two people die per fatal fire. But that’s not always the case. Last year, nine fires resulted in 59 deaths. While these numbers ... Read More »