Metro Milwaukee Living

One of the basic principles of universal design, also called ageless design, is that it makes homes more practical and safer for everyone — not just the elderly or people with limited mobility. If you’re remodeling or simply adding a few upgrades, be sure to keep universal design features in mind. There are lots of resources that’ll give you some great starting points, but here are a few of favorites:

1. Switch out doorknobs for lever-style handles. Doorknobs require lots of dexterity and torque to open; with levers you simply press and go.

Makes sense for folks with arthritis, of course, but think about an emergency situation when everyone, including small kids, needs to exit fast: A lever handle is a safe, foolproof way to open a door.

A big plus: Levers are good-looking and can contribute to the value of your home.
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If you’re taking a look at today’s housing market, it’s impossible to ignore the many signs that say “Buy Now.” While current buying conditions present viable opportunities for first-timers, it still requires serious work to make the significant financial leap. As a soon-to-be homeowner, you must get your finances in order during the months leading up to the purchase.

Today’s market presents an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers to find competitive home prices and very low interest rates. But none of that matters if there isn’t a good sense of your financial situation before starting your search.

Here are some useful starter steps:

• Run a credit check. When a mortgage company considers you for a loan, it checks into all your vitals including your credit score. They want to see how responsible applicants are when it comes to paying bills on time and if they have a detrimental amount of debt. These expectations have risen significantly in past years making it even more important to know your score and possibly improve it before applying.
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Well, it took a while to get here, but with temperatures hovering around five degrees today, it’s safe to say the tough part of winter is finally upon us. We may have been sitting pretty and toasty so far this winter, but with temperatures like these, our homes will inevitably be getting chillier. There are plenty of ways to keep your home warm, like installing storm doors, caulking gaps around windows and adding more insulation, but there are quite a few more creative ways to keep the warmth in this winter. Today, we’re providing you with tips and tricks for keeping your home toasty in frigid temps.

Optimize Your Cooking and Baking Schedule. When it’s time to cook or bake, turn down the heat in your home and benefit from the “free” warmth coming from your oven or stovetop. You can even crack the oven door after you’ve finished to let out the remaining heat inside.
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As of today, the IRS is accepting e-filing for your 2011 taxes. Chances are, if you’re a homeowner, there are a lot of tax circumstances you’re not completely clear on. There are so many things to consider when filing taxes, and many people make mistakes when filing taxes on their own.

As you calculate your tax returns, consider each home tax deduction and credit you are — and are not — entitled to. Running afoul of any of these 10 home-related tax mistakes — which tax pros say are especially common — can cost you money or draw the IRS to your doorstep.
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There are universal day-to-day problems we all come across in our homes – scratched woodwork, crayoned television monitors and that dastardly  task of folding a fitted sheet (seriously… does anyone really know how to do that?!). When we come across any of these problems, we throw our hands up, buy expensive cleaner or, you know, just ball up those sheets and stuff them in the corner of the linen closet.

Until now. Our friends at the Daily Buzz have compiled a fabulous list of brilliant problem-solvers for these everyday annoyances. And the best part? You’ve probably got all the right tools in your house already!

Check out their 25 clever ideas to make life easier … and yes, you may even learn how to correctly fold those fitted sheets.

This time, it’s going to be different. A brand new year, brimming with possibilities, and you’ve resolved to move through your house like a whirling tornado of can-do, fixing and painting and organizing. This year, nothing will stop you. Welcome to your home improvement New Year’s Resolutions.

Based on the most-common top-ten resolutions gathered by “Time” magazine, USA.gov, and other sources, our friends at House Logic have put together an inspiring list of home management goals.

Ready for 2012? Click on each resolution to learn more:

1. Lose weight (cut energy use)
2. Quit smoking (purify indoor air)
3. Get out of debt (budget for improvements)
4. Learn something new (educate yourself on home finances)
5. Get organized (de-clutter)
6. Volunteer (support your community)
7. Drink less (curb home water use)
8. Spend more time with the family (share home improvement projects)
9. Get fit (exercise your DIY skills)
10. Be less stressed (use maintenance-free materials)

In early January, many of us are planning and setting goals for everything we want to do and achieve in the year to come.  While many people think of spring as the primetime home buying season, the winter months often offer an even greater selection, and the opportunity to settle into the new home before warmer months arrive.  If buying a house is on your “to do” list this year, now is also the time to begin preparing.

No matter if you’re a first-time buyer or have a few real estate transactions under your belt, there are so many things to get in order– it can be confusing to decide where to begin! So, even if you plan to buy in the spring, January is a good time to get ready. Here are some tips to help you get on track to reach your 2012 home buying resolution:

• Select a qualified and trusted real estate agent: At Coldwell Banker, we have a network of knowledgeable, trustworthy agents.
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Metro Milwaukee Living is kicking off the new year with a new monthly feature – the Home of the Week! Each month, we’ll feature an exceptional property currently for sale in Southeast Wisconsin, brought to you exclusively by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Our first home of the week in 2012 is….

9400 N Valley Hill Rd, River Hills

Luxurious French Country on a private setting in River Hills! Every surface of this home as been delightfully upgraded and renovated.
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Metro Milwaukee Living wishes you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2012. Here’s to a fabulous year ahead!

Is 2012 your year to become a homeowner? Most people who choose a New Year’s resolution typically pick a goal to achieve or habit to break, but 2012 may be the year that they resolve to buy their first home.

The reasons for first-time home buyers to invest now just keep adding up. Setting goals and adopting good habits, such as saving more, reducing debt and improving credit scores, will put first timers in a good position to get what they want in the New Year.

Here are 10 reasons to invest in real estate in 2012:
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