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®.

Cut Your Electric Bills Painlessly

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last six to 10 times longer. When Mom told you to turn out the lights, she was thinking of saving energy dollars, not rolling blackouts and bankrupt utility companies. Rarely have Moms words of wisdom been as fitting as they are now and not just in California. Electricity ra ... Read More »

Get Smart Windows

Glazing that allows you to switch between transparency and translucence at the push of a button is prohibitively costly right now, but chromogenics research and competition may soon allow home owners to enjoy the energy-saving benefits of "smart windows." "Switchable glass," also known as "smart windows" lets you control the level of transparency and a U.S. ... Read More »

Installing Insulation in Existing Walls

Thanks to modern equipment and advanced loose-fill insulating materials, installing insulation between walls that are already finished is something that can be accomplished in just a few hours. Of course, this is a job that can pose some difficulties for the casual do-it-yourselfer and it might be best left in the hands of a professional, but if you’ve work ... Read More »

Make Over Your Appliances

An old and drab refrigerator can make a whole kitchen look old and drab. Or maybe you've wanted to remodel your kitchen but simply can't afford to do it. Remodeling can be cost-prohibitive, especially if you buy new appliances. But believe it or not, for less than a few hundred dollars, you can repaint old appliances yourself and give your kitchen a brand ne ... Read More »

Choose Bathroom Accessories

You can always count on your bathroom to get its fair share of foot traffic, especially if it is located in a central area of your home or if it is your only facility. Don't forget to spend time decorating this room as you would any other in your home. Choosing bathroom decor to enhance the look of the room and add your personal style is an important step in ... Read More »

American Farmhouse: Simple and Practical

Identifying American Farmhouse architecture The American farmhouse style is a hybrid of architectural styles that were blended to produce practical houses that would shelter farmers and their families and serve as a functional center to farm life. Some characteristics are: Straightforward, functional design Designed to function on a farm Simple, ... Read More »

Psychological Pitfalls of a Remodel

It's said that "a man's home is his castle." But when your castle is being remodeled, it can feel like your kingdom is under siege. You come home with groceries for dinner and find that your kitchen has been demolished; the painter calls for the third time and says he won't show up for another two weeks; your contractor casually announces you're 100 percent ... Read More »

White Walls Getting You Down?

The white plastic miniblinds are a pain to clean. Your favorite painting requires a wall anchor. And if you have to stare at four white walls for one more minute, you're likely to scream. Ah, the woes of renting. It's frustrating to personalize your apartment or rental home when landlord restrictions get in the way. The easiest – and least expensive – ways ... Read More »

Choose Great Wall Colors

Paint color is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a room and add value to your home. You can completely alter the look of a room with a fresh coat of paint. Many tools exist to help you choose a great color that achieves the look and feel you are seeking. Choosing a wall paint that complements your furniture and achieves th ... Read More »

Indoor Pet Safety Checklist

Pampered house pets are the lottery winners of the animal kingdom. Protected from the drooling jaws of predators, an indoor pet's most difficult decision is deciding whether to sleep in the sunbeam by the stove or by the fireplace. In fact, while an outdoor cat has an average life span of only three years, an indoor cat's average life span is 12 years or mor ... Read More »