Real Estate

Face it. This winter has been a bust. As of our publication date, we’ve counted more rain showers than snowfalls since the calendar officially abandoned autumn. And on many of those December and January days we were more tempted to venture outdoors in Bermudas, flip-flops, and sunscreen than huddled inside a parka (not that the mild weather has stopped hordes of shoppers from raiding the bread aisle at the first hint of snow).

The upshot of all this, if you’re like us, is that the complete lack of snow cover on the ground has got us thinking about our homes. Maybe it’s time to do something with the back yard – an outdoor kitchen would be nice.

Or maybe that addition you’ve been planning could be started this summer. Or then again simply getting rid of that lifeless carpet would be improvement enough. We’ve put some of our thoughts into this issue’s real estate and remodeling section which we hope will inspire you to get on with your own house improvement plans this year.

Introduction
Peters Buoyant Housing Market
What’s Hot in Interior Design
Garden Upgrades
Mine Subsidence
How to Help Your Home Sell
This New House
Saving on Energy Bills
Who Needs Flood Insurance
Planning Your Relocation
Relocation Tips
Mortgage Basics
Reverse Mortgages