Consumer E-Newsletter - 12/12/2006 (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
What’s Stopping You from Buying a New Home?
Quick Tips to Go From Selling to Sold
Top Five New Year's Resolutions for the Home
Enjoying a Hassle-free Holiday
The Feng Shui Approach to the Holidays
The Ranch House: American Pop Culture Icon
What's Aging in Place Anyway?
Zone Heating Can Save You Heating Dollars
Getting the Most from Your Design Center
The Final Frontier: Home Automation
Propane Tanks: A Hidden Asset
The Vernacular Architecture of the Gulf Coast
Photo Gallery: The Unique and Unusual
Maintenance Chart for Homeowners
Did You Know?
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Enjoying a Hassle-free Holiday

No matter the holiday you celebrate, following these tips will keep it hassle-free!
As the holidays approach, many guest bedrooms will find themselves filled with the luggage of in-laws. The extra leaf of the dining room table will be pulled down from the attic, awaiting a packed family feast. As extended families gather to celebrate the holiday season, the capacity of homes across the country is tested. Maybe yours is one. Will your home be ready for the influx of people to come? Read on to find out what you can do to make everyone’s holiday enjoyable around your home.

Be sure that all of your walkways, decks, and other outdoor areas are as free of ice and snow as possible. A bad fall could easily put a damper on your celebrations. Also make sure that all outdoor and garage lighting are working properly.

Clear out the hall closet to create a spot for people’s coats and other winter apparel. Preparing for this now will make everyone more organized when the fun begins. You may also want to consider an extra doormat for wet boots. Remember, wet shoes can quickly make a kitchen floor slippery and a prime place for a nasty spill.

Keep in mind that the bathroom may get a large increase in traffic. Replacing tile or even adding new grout can give your bathroom a totally new appearance. Take a look around the shower areas and make sure the ceiling isn’t peeling from humidity. If it is, simple ceiling repair and repainting can fix the problem quickly. Be sure that bathroom fans and windows are in working order. Proper ventilation is essential in keeping mold and mildew far away. Extra hand and bath towels also can help with the added traffic of the holidays.

Your kitchen also will receive a high amount of traffic during the holidays and it’s important that you’re ready. Increased entertaining may mean more countertop space is necessary. Clear off countertops and stow appliances in cabinets when they’re not in use. Look closely at the condition of your countertops and cabinets. Does anything need replacing? Are all of the cupboard knobs secure and functioning? Also, the lighting should be in excellent condition. Long hours in a kitchen with inadequate lighting can put a strain on tired eyes. Ensure your kitchen is well-lit by replacing dim light bulbs.

Take the headache out of the holidays by preparing your home for your guests. You'll find many preparations you make now will last longer than the holiday season!