Home Improvement

Zillow Predicts Housing Market to Fall a Further 8% This Summer – Why I Think That is a Good Sign

May 10th, 2011 by Michael Cheng \\ Home Buying, Home Improvement, Investment Opportunities, Local Market Conditions

Once in a while, a kindred spirit writes an article that brightens my day with analytical clarity.  In the midst of the current housing market doldrums, this article by MarketWatch’s Brett Arends makes a ton of sense.  While the housing market continues to suffer and works through what appears to be another tough summer, the signs [...]

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Accommodating Policies Keep Window of Opportunity Open for Investors

April 25th, 2011 by Michael Cheng \\ Home Buying, Home Improvement, Investment Opportunities, Local Market Conditions

Five years after the housing bubble topped out, we are still living with the unintended consequences of public policy decisions. When the accommodating and pro-homeownership policies of the Bush administration led to an housing market implosion fro buying viagra m poor credit standards, the knee jerk reaction from the slighted public was to demand for [...]

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How does a HGTV Dream Home earn its worth?

January 12th, 2011 by Tina Lam \\ Home Improvement, Investment Opportunities

HGTV just unveiled their Dream Home of 2011 in Stowe, Vermont on Jan 1st.  Two years ago, HGTV brought the Bay Area to the national spotlight, building the Dream Home in Sonoma, CA.  Caught in the frenzy at the time, I faithfully submitted my entries every night. Now I don’t feel so bad about not winning it. I just [...]

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4 Fading Fads That You Won’t See in 2011

January 4th, 2011 by Tina Lam \\ Home Improvement

What are the out of fashion house designs that you should avoid? Builder Magazine  asked industry experts to weigh in on design fads. In short, gone are McMansions and house flipping. Homeowners are looking for more practical, more sustainable designs. It may be the one good thing that comes out of economic meltdown – people [...]

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Get a HGTV makeover

January 2nd, 2011 by Tina Lam \\ Home Improvement

With the new year, would you like to have free renovation done by professional designer? HGTV is always recruiting for home owners and home buyers to appear on their shows. SF Bay area usually misses out on opportunities as most of the shows are filmed on the East or in LA. Now, behold: HGTV is [...]

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2010-2011 Home Renovation Costs Vs. Value

December 24th, 2010 by Tina Lam \\ Home Improvement

Realtor.org: 2010-2011 Home Renovation Costs Vs. Value What renovation will give you the best return on your investment in 2011?  The answer is doors, doors, doors.  Changing your main entry and garage doors rank as the top two projects that you can recoup the most from your investment. In 3rd place, siding replacement. In short, curb appeal sells. Finally, the [...]

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