CasaSugar

Are You Looking For a New Home?

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 07:00:31 -0700

Sales of existing homes in the United States rose 2.9 percent in April, as potential buyers took advantage of reduced prices on homes and low interest rates on mortgages. Have you been looking for a new home?

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Cool Idea: Man Shack

CasaSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:00:02 -0700

One of the big reveal moments in I Love You, Man is when Sydney (Jason Segel) shows Peter (Paul Rudd) his man shack. Decked out in leather furniture, a big screen television, Rush albums, and a wall of instruments, it truly is a dude paradise.

While our home doesn't have a man shack, I do sometimes wish there was a man room to accommodate my special someone's dudeness. You know what I mean, ladies - those nights when the music is cranked up to 11 (à la Spinal Tap) or a game of poker is on the agenda. I wouldn't mind the noise and the in-house betting so much if it was in another room (or wing, or house level, for that matter).

Do you have a "man shack" at your casa? Do you think it would improve home relations if you did? Or do you and your better half get along swimmingly while sharing space, no matter what the situation?

Photo courtesy of Paramount

Open House: Home Ownership Blues?

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I'm sure that, like me, you've been following the news of the mortgage crisis in the United States, and the drop in home prices due to it. Even if you don't want to follow it, you can't help but hear the coverage! While lower home prices are potentially good news for home buyers with stellar credit and a down payment, it's not so great for folks who bought their houses during the housing boom. We bought our home four years ago, and while our home has appreciated in value, thanks in part to work we've put into it and its great location, it certainly has been affected by the market downturn. Unfortunately, I also know some people who bought their house at a higher price than it's now worth, thanks to the market downturn.

What about you? Do you own your home? Does the downturn in the real estate market have you singing the home ownership blues? If you don't own, are you happy about it? Will you take advantage of the lower home prices now? Has the housing downturn affected your ability to sell your current home, or make a cross-country move? Tell me by commenting below.

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Would You Live in a Hobbit House?

CasaSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:00:58 -0700

Apparently, Hobbit houses aren't big sellers. Developer Ron Meyers's housing development, "The Shire," which is located in Bend, Oregon, has only sold one home since the project began nearly two years ago. And granted, I am a Lord of the Rings dork, but even if I weren't I'd still find these houses pretty cute. Would you want to live in such a fanciful home?

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How Old Is Your House or Building?

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:51:26 -0700

Some people love living in old houses and apartment buildings, while others enjoy the ease of newer constructions. Do you live in a modern house or an older building?

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Get Your Home Ready for Fall

CasaSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:45:28 -0700

While we're plotting our smooth transition from Summer into Fall, I wanted to share a few tips from iVillage on how to prep your home for the changing seasons. Some of the back-to-school pointers don't really apply in my case, since I don't have any kids to worry about yet, but as a gardener and advanced planner, I found a lot of this stuff spot-on. Here are some important things to keep in mind.

Prepare the lawn or garden for falling temperatures. Remove weeds, seed and fertilize the lawn, and plant any spring-blooming bulbs. In areas where the ground freezes, consider mulching flower beds. The mulch will protect plants when the weather gets cold.

Four more handy hints, so read more

Clean outdoor furniture and equipment with a mild soap solution and water. If possible, bring it indoors for the winter. No room to store all that gear in the house or garage? Wrap it tightly with a tarp or other cover that will protect it from strong weather and the rays of the sun.
Cooler temperatures mean warmer jackets and heavier shoes. Don't let these items clutter up the entryway. Carve out a space near the doorway to store them. If you don't have a coat closet, consider hanging coat hooks at and setting out baskets for shoes.
Give the living room a quick and affordable makeover for fall with just a few simple touches. Pillows, throws and slipcovers in a rich fall fabric or color are easy ways to give the room a new look, while an arrangement of autumn flowers brings the seasonal changes indoors.
Falling temperatures also mean cool autumn nights. It's time to pull out the blankets that you stored away in the spring. Give your bed a new look with a throw in an autumnal color or rich fabric.

What do you do to get your house ready for cooler weather? Tell me in the comments section below.
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Homeowners: Did You Buy or Build Your Home?

CasaSugar — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 05:42:04 -0700

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Do You Live in an Apartment or a House?

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:08 -0700

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Do You Rent or Own?

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:55:01 -0700

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How-To: Conduct Your Own Energy Audit

CasaSugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:00:00 -0800

Energy bills rise as soon as temperatures drop, but your home's heat may not be the only thing cranking up your bill each month. Before blaming the power company or accepting the astronomical bills, investigate the problem by conducting your own energy audit. An energy audit helps homeowners and renters locate where their pads are not being efficient, and provides insight on where improvement is needed. Grab a pen and paper and use these tips for inspecting your digs' energy efficiency.

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