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®.

Kids Rooms Storage Solutions | HouseLogic Organizing Storage Tips

Cradle crawlersTransformer cribs. An ordinary crib accommodates baby for two to three years — until he learns how to escape over the rail. Boost storage with a convertible crib with storage drawers ($145-$350) that’ll convert and adapt to your toddler’s needs and beyond.Some convertible cribs change into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size headboards, ... Read More »

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Great Tools | DIY Cool Tools

There’s a tool for every dad, but not every dad is right for every tool. So before you hunt for a Father’s Day gift for Mr. Fixit (real or imagined), figure out your dad’s tool type. Then, take a look at these gift ideas that will fit him like a glove — a Mechanix Original glove ($25), to be exact.Renaissance DadYour dad can do it all, and so can ... Read More »

Air Conditioning Problems | Home Air Conditioner Repair

“Let comfort be your guide,” says Tom Hutchinson of Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling. Air conditioning is all about comfort, so the simplest way to evaluate your system is to ask: Am I comfortable?Air conditioning and HVAC units don’t last forever — 12 years is an average lifespan — and the moment they fail is usually when you need them the ... 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 »

Landscaping Plan on a Budget | Landscape Budget Plan

Landscaping is one of the surest ways to pump up the value of your property. According to research by Virginia Cooperative Extension, going from a plain lawn and a concrete driveway to a well-landscaped lot raises a home’s perceived value by 12.7%. The opposite is also true: A “minimal” landscaping job — a thoughtless smattering of scraggly plants ... Read More »

Master Suite Addition | Master Suite Building Basics

A master suite addition is a place to call your own—no kiddie toys, no teens hogging the bathroom—a heavenly space where you can bathe, dress, or simply relax in peace. But paradise doesn’t come cheap. A 16-by-24-foot master suite addition to a house with midrange fixtures and finishes costs a national average of $106,196, according to Remodeling ... Read More »

Plants That Don’t Need Water | Saving Water in the Garden

Every plant needs water. But drought-resistant varieties need only dainty sips once they’re established, making them perfect for low-rainfall areas and low-energy gardeners.Susan Gottlieb, an expert on drought-tolerant gardens, says native plants have the best chance of surviving dry summers or whatever nature throws at them.“Natives have evolved to ... Read More »

Refinance and Mortgage Options | Home Loan Advice

Low interest rates and new loan programs abound this spring, so if you assumed your refinancing and mortgage options were dismal, you’ll be surprised by these three offerings. 1. Refinance with new FHA fees In a nutshell: FHA raised insurance premiums for new borrowers, while lowering fees for some existing customers who refinance, making comparison ... Read More »

Realtors(R) Offer Support for Bill to Help Responsible Homeowners Refinance

WASHINGTON, DC, May 24, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- A proposed bill to streamline and align the refinance processes of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ... Read More »

Consumer Reports Kitchen Guide Helps Homeowners Get The Luxury Look - For Thousands Less

YONKERS, N.Y., May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Special 26-page section features spending traps to avoid, Ratings of big and small kitchen ... Read More »