Homeowners can find color in simple accessories, like throw pillows, coffee table books, and decorative canisters. Neutral colors in flooring materials, upholstery pieces and window dressing work well because they enhance brighter accents.
When choosing colors, Jones cautions homeowners to be aware of their sensory impact:
- Red is stimulating and encourages self confidence
- Orange promotes happiness and celebration
- Yellow is uplifting and light-hearted
- Blue is calming in softer tones and promotes clarity in deeper tones
- Green is the color of nature—it feels fresh and rejuvenating
- Aqua is restful while pink is gentle and sweet—making a great pair
- Purple tones bring out a sense of compassion
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
MAKE YOUR HOME HEALTHIER
When shopping for furniture, you need to do more than pick out pieces that are attractive or comfortable. It’s important to also find out how the pieces are made and whether they will slowly emit toxins into your home.
For the times when you need something new, there are a few items you should definitely avoid. Pressed woods like particleboard, plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) are known to contain urea-formaldehyde resin. Of the three wood materials, MDF releases the most formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that can cause skin rashes, chronic headaches, and is also a suspected carcinogen.
Household paint is another item that can continue to emit dangerous gases into your home’s air, even after the fumes are gone. In fact, paints and finishes are the leading source of Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, in our homes. VOCs can cause all kinds of breathing problems and have been linked to rapidly increasing asthma rates in children. When you’re redecorating a room or re-finishing a piece of furniture, shop for low- or no-VOC products. Most paint companies have these options and they’re just as durable and cost effective. And buy only the amount of paint, thinner or finish that your project needs. When your project is complete, if you do have any products left over, remember, all of these items are considered household hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly.
And don’t forget about all the cleaners you bring into your home every day. Household cleaners that are chemical based can pollute your home as the toxins evaporate into the air or are left behind on cleaned surfaces. As a rule of thumb, if the product has a warning or danger label, it’s likely not good for you or the environment. Choosing a plant-based or natural cleaner like vinegar or baking soda will also reduce the amount of pollution in your home.
Do your part and make your home a healthier place to unwind. It’s something we can all breathe easier about.
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.
For the times when you need something new, there are a few items you should definitely avoid. Pressed woods like particleboard, plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) are known to contain urea-formaldehyde resin. Of the three wood materials, MDF releases the most formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that can cause skin rashes, chronic headaches, and is also a suspected carcinogen.
Household paint is another item that can continue to emit dangerous gases into your home’s air, even after the fumes are gone. In fact, paints and finishes are the leading source of Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, in our homes. VOCs can cause all kinds of breathing problems and have been linked to rapidly increasing asthma rates in children. When you’re redecorating a room or re-finishing a piece of furniture, shop for low- or no-VOC products. Most paint companies have these options and they’re just as durable and cost effective. And buy only the amount of paint, thinner or finish that your project needs. When your project is complete, if you do have any products left over, remember, all of these items are considered household hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly.
And don’t forget about all the cleaners you bring into your home every day. Household cleaners that are chemical based can pollute your home as the toxins evaporate into the air or are left behind on cleaned surfaces. As a rule of thumb, if the product has a warning or danger label, it’s likely not good for you or the environment. Choosing a plant-based or natural cleaner like vinegar or baking soda will also reduce the amount of pollution in your home.
Do your part and make your home a healthier place to unwind. It’s something we can all breathe easier about.
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Keeping it Cool with Air-Conditioning Tips
•Change the air filter once a month. Don't use the ultra-thick, expensive filters because they will restrict air flow and cause the unit to work harder.
•Have the unit maintained twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall
•If the unit ices over from a coolant leak or being clogged with debris, turn off the thermostat and use a water hose to defrost it faster. Once it is defrosted, you can turn it back on for a cool blast while you wait for a repairman.
•If the heating and air company has an unacceptably long waiting list, shop around for someone who can fix it faster or ask for a loaner window unit to stay cool while you wait.
Remember that the unit might be doing all it can. Most units will drop the temperature inside only 20 degrees from what it is outside.
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.
•Have the unit maintained twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall
•If the unit ices over from a coolant leak or being clogged with debris, turn off the thermostat and use a water hose to defrost it faster. Once it is defrosted, you can turn it back on for a cool blast while you wait for a repairman.
•If the heating and air company has an unacceptably long waiting list, shop around for someone who can fix it faster or ask for a loaner window unit to stay cool while you wait.
Remember that the unit might be doing all it can. Most units will drop the temperature inside only 20 degrees from what it is outside.
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
FHA LOANS
1. FHA Loans Are Not Only For Lower-Income Borrowers.
2. FHA Loans Are Not Only For First-Time Buyers.
3. FHA Loans Are Not Just Small Loans; In Fact, Loan Amounts Can Be As High As Almost $800,000.
4. FHA Loans Are Not Affiliated With The Section 8 Housing Program.
5. FHA Loans Are Often More Affordable Than Conventional Loans. While FHA loans typically offer the same interest rates as other loans, borrowers benefit from a much lower down payment of as low as 3.5 percent.
6. FHA-Approved Condo Developments Are More Desirable To Buyers. Homeowners associations (HOAs) should note that although FHA-insured mortgages might be easier to obtain, they are not “risky” loans, due in large part to the strict “full documentation” requirements placed on borrowers.
Individual buyers or sellers can initiate the approval process or current owners can encourage their HOA to apply. More information about the FHA- approval process is available at www.getfhaapproval.com.
7. FHA Loans Are Assumable. This unique feature will certainly make a property more valuable in times of rising interest rates.
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.
2. FHA Loans Are Not Only For First-Time Buyers.
3. FHA Loans Are Not Just Small Loans; In Fact, Loan Amounts Can Be As High As Almost $800,000.
4. FHA Loans Are Not Affiliated With The Section 8 Housing Program.
5. FHA Loans Are Often More Affordable Than Conventional Loans. While FHA loans typically offer the same interest rates as other loans, borrowers benefit from a much lower down payment of as low as 3.5 percent.
6. FHA-Approved Condo Developments Are More Desirable To Buyers. Homeowners associations (HOAs) should note that although FHA-insured mortgages might be easier to obtain, they are not “risky” loans, due in large part to the strict “full documentation” requirements placed on borrowers.
Individual buyers or sellers can initiate the approval process or current owners can encourage their HOA to apply. More information about the FHA- approval process is available at www.getfhaapproval.com.
7. FHA Loans Are Assumable. This unique feature will certainly make a property more valuable in times of rising interest rates.
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.
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