Home Prices Rose in Kansas, Fell in Wichita in Q1

By John Stearns – Reporter- Wichita Business Journal Kansas ranked seventh among the states for house price appreciation in the first quarter, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s seasonally adjusted house price index released Wednesday, May 23rd.The index showed a 3.16 percent improvement in prices in Kansas from a year ago. Prices were up … Continued

The Best Ways to Reduce Utility Bills

By E.R. Bingham, eHow ContributorIn today’s tough economy, it can be challenging to find ways to save money and still live comfortably. If you own home or live in an apartment that does not include utilities in the monthly rent, these gas and electric bills can take a big chunk out of your monthly income. … Continued

So Long, Stainless: Whirlpool Introduces a New Finish For Premium Kitchens

By Keith BarryThe stainless steel appliance hegemony has ended.On Monday, Whirlpool introduced a new premium exterior finish that they call “White Ice.” With clean lines, silver accents and streamlined controls, the new collection’s refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave are a departure from the flash and glitz of stainless steel and its many lookalikes. In fact, the … Continued

4 Ways To Save on Landscaping

By Josh Garskof(Money magazine) — There’s no better place to build sweat equity than outdoors.A high-end landscape contractor will charge at least $5,000 to remodel a typical compact suburban front yard. Yet if you can handle a shovel, hose, and wheelbarrow, you have the physical skills to replace overgrown or mundane greenery with fresh plants, … Continued

6 Cures for the Small-Kitchen Blues

By Josh GarskofMoney Magazine — Sure, you order takeout three nights a week, and preparing a burger tests the limits of your culinary know-how. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need and deserve a spacious kitchen. After all, the kitchen has evolved from a room where food is prepared to the hub of a house, … Continued

Housing Market Better Than It Looks

By Alison RogersHome prices rose 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis in March, according to new numbers from the S&P/Case-Shiller index. But four cities showed worse results in March than they had in February, with Atlanta notably down 0.4% over the previous month and Detroit down 2.1%. Still, there are reasons to be optimistic.Year-over-year, prices in … Continued

Thinking of Remodeling? 10 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

10 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home By Katie Adams | Investopedia.comIn a dour housing market, wouldn’t it be nice to know that your remodeling project would pay off when you went to sell the property? Remodeling Magazine evaluated the top remodeling projects, how the cost-to-value has changed since the housing market implosion, and … Continued

10 Unconventional Money-Saving Tips

By J.D. RothFor me, the hardest part about learning to save was changing my relationship with money. I understood intellectually that I needed to spend less than I earned, and I could see the debt accumulating as I spent, but money management isn’t just about knowing the math. It’s mostly about knowing yourself. It’s about … Continued

11 Tips On How To Buy A Foreclosure Home

11 Tips On How To Buy A Foreclosure Homeby Davion WongIt is the dream of every young family to own a beautiful and spacious home. As most houses are not within the reach of these young families, buying a foreclosed home is an alternative that should be seriously considered. While it can prove to be … Continued

Will the Presidential Election Affect Real Estate?

Will the Presidential Election Affect Real Estate? By Katherine Reynolds LewisThe next president of the United States — whether Democratic incumbent Barack Obama or Republican challenger Mitt Romney — could have a big influence over the recovery taking shape in the real estate market, according to political pundits.“The next president, whoever it turns out to … Continued

10 Ways To Help Your Child Successfully Return to School

By Sandra “Sam” Trapani Here are 10 ways you can help your child have a smooth return to school and start the new school year on a positive note.1. Chat with your child. Keeping an open line of communication is important. Encourage your child to talk about any feelings he is experiencing. Remember that change … Continued