Category: HOME

The Best Way to Freeze Soup

Soup is easy to make and even easier to enjoy, but it’s simply not the kind of dish you make for one. When you make soup, you make a lot — perhaps that’s why large pots are often called soup pots! Fortunately, soup is ideal for freezing and serving later, which means you can stir…


False Advertising In The MLS, Or Anywhere, Is Illegal

Dear Monty: I told the selling agent that the home on the MLS (multiple listing service) is falsely listing the square footage. They are advertising 1,650 square feet of livable space, but I checked with the township, and they state the house is 1,446 square feet. I put in an offer based on the actual…


Install a Closet Shelf and Rod

While custom closet shelving components are a solution for many storage needs, a basic wooden closet rod and shelf is a simpler one for average storage needs. A wooden hanging rod is attached to metal rod supports installed on a strip of wood or cleat and then fastened to the side and back walls of…


Matching Wood Stain

Last week, I helped Mary Ann, a 70-year-old newlywed, solve a vexing problem in a home she and her husband bought. In just 15 minutes, using my transcribed phone call service, I saved them perhaps $5,000. I shared a time-tested way they could match the stain on a wood-paneled room. Their problem was sun damage…


How to Negotiate Anything and Win

What I know about the art and science of negotiating I learned as a matter of survival. Driven to save myself and my family from financial ruin, I jumped into the deep end of the real estate industry. I passed the state test to become licensed, but I knew nothing about negotiating. I was driven…


How Can I Goof-Proof My Home?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi Lots of household problems and accidents happen due to plain old goof-ups. Here’s a rundown of the most common issues or maintenance you might easily miss and a few annoyances you can take care of quickly. Follow these tips so you’re not the goof! Fixing a Clogged…


How to Wow With Wallpaper

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service In case you haven’t noticed, wallpaper is back — and it appears that it’s here to stay. A signature staple in the ’70s, wallpaper later fell from favor. Labeled “dated,” those looking for bold color opted for painted accent walls instead of wallpaper. These days, wallpaper can be…


Object Is a Mongolian Snuff Bottle

By Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson From Tribune News Service Hi: Could you tell me what this is? I would also like to know how old it is and where it came from. Thank you, B. M. Dear B. M.: In photos sent, the piece is shown disassembled. There is a small button-shaped component, a…


Here Are 2022′S Top Fall Design Trends to Spruce up Your Home

By Hunter Boyce From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Fall is nearly here, and that means interior design trends are changing. While good design often carves its own path, keeping up with modern trends can be a great way to gain inspiration and gauge your interests for that next big project. With that in mind, here are…


Here Are 2022’s Top Fall Design Trends to Spruce Up Your Home

By Hunter Boyce From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Fall is nearly here, and that means interior design trends are changing. While good design often carves its own path, keeping up with modern trends can be a great way to gain inspiration and gauge your interests for that next big project. With that in mind, here are…