By Kelly Quigley The contract is a critical step in any remodeling project; it holds the job together and ensures that all parties agree to the same vision and scope. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry spells out the following key elements that every remodeling contract should have: 1. The contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number. 2. Details on what the contractor will and will not do. 3. A list of materials for the project in your contract. This includes information about the s... read more

Painting is a quick and easy way to liven up a listing. But some smart prep work can make a huge difference in the quality of the results. 1.Get the surface ready. You want the paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean before you start painting. Remove any handprints, dirt, or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaks. 2. Select a paint sheen and color. Ah, the choices! Many paint stores are making it easier to narrow down your choices by offering small trial sizes so that you ca... read more

Get your home in showing shape with these simple tips. Lighten up. Some people like to live in dark houses. Leave the shades up and the drapes opened. Homes show so much better with light. -Teresa Boardman, Saint Paul Home Realty, St. Paul, Minn. Size up the competition. Walk through model homes in your area to see what professionally staged homes look like. You can get a variety of great ideas to prepare your home for sale. -Randy Schulenburg, Mortgage 1st Realty Inc., Elgin, Ill. Define the space. Creatively def... read more

Article From HouseLogic.com By: Jane Hodges Published: September 23, 2009 Reduce your electricity bills by systematically purging your family room of wasteful energy practices. The fun-a video game console, TV, DVR, DVD, and stereo system-that your family room provides comes with a price. By reducing standby power, using rechargeable batteries in remotes, and replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, you could save up to $130 a year in energy costs. And if you're in the market for a new TV, you can ... read more

By Barbara Ballinger In today's market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite. Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal. 1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. "It's best to use one or two and repeat them," Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch... read more