Homeowners spend a lot of money on attractive shrubs to enhance their landscaping. They plant them, add fertilizer and water, but how many take the time to protect their green investments over winter?

Changing hardware on your cabinets can make them look new again. If your budget allows, you may also want to change drawer and door fronts to create a true makeover.

Obviously, safety is a major factor and is covered in considerable detail in the training of home sales professionals. And while many other industries face the same potential problems, when it comes to lone working with members of the public, real estate seems to be the one profession that really worries people.

While the federal government is not planning on boosting income tax this year, they do have plans to cut back spending this year to help make up for shortfalls. There is no telling what kind of taxes will be in the works for next year’s budget though; user fees and reduced services are very likely.

Apart from obvious impairments such as fallen trees, broken windows or railings, there are far more subtle things to look for that may be the root cause of a future problem. Who would have thought the expensive leaky roof repair was the result of a storm that caused shingle damage 3 years earlier?

One of the best ways to survive dreary March weather, is to plan a garden. If you start now, you'll have plenty of time to design it just the way you want it, and much of the work can be completed in stages.

Use a fan tip to diffuse the hard pressure and don’t work too close to the surface; too hard of a spray can remove the finish from concrete or brick and cause it to deteriorate. If this type of cleaning project is too big for you to complete on your own, you can hire a professional power washer to clean up your yard for you. Some types of siding can also be cleaned this way.

Make sure that if you’re using mats inside the entrances of your home or other rugs placed on the floors that you vacuum them well so that dirt doesn’t make its way through them and scratch the floor when people walk on them. Small rugs can easily be moved and vacuumed underneath periodically.

The phrase, “location, location, location” has become a cliché in the real estate industry, but that is only because it is true. No one wants to live in Cracksville. However, many people who are looking for a home have the choice of many neighbourhoods where bars on the window are not in fashion and the question is, ‘should I choose the neighbourhood I like or the home I like’?

But in recent months, the use of LEED criteria has been increasing at all levels of development as contractors pursue the reputation of being an environmentally conscious corporation. In 2008, the LEED for Homes (LEED-H) rating system was introduced, creating homes that are energy efficient, as well as being more durable. By using less water and natural resources, these homes actually help the owners save money.