Homeowners Shift Spending from Gas Tank to Home

Homeowners Shift Spending from Gas Tank to Home

- Declining home values coupled with high fuel costs are leading many to reconsider how they spend their money. In fact, homeowners who purchased their residence during the recent real estate boom bear the greatest risk of finding themselves “upside down” in their mortgage – a situation where they owe more than the current value of the house.  



While many of these frustrated homeowners may have stable jobs and continue to pay their monthly mortgages on time, they cannot afford to move even if they want. They are trapped, waiting until home values rebound.



What does a homeowner do until then?



“Today, we see families investing in their homes, making their backyards more comfortable because they understand that they are not in a position to sell anytime soon. Simple upgrades like luxury hot tubs remain desirable because they don’t require an expensive backyard redesign. Plus, they are portable – they can travel with the homeowner when they eventually move,” says William Smelley of Jacuzzi brand hot tubs.



Perhaps soaking in the hot tub reduces stress over homeowner real estate woes too.



Anthony Pasquarelli of Sundance Spas agrees, but sees the situation from a different angle. “In our experience, homeowners continue to shy away from expensive trips that only last a few days. Instead, they are spending family resources on vacation-inspired amenities for their home. Inviting patio retreats for year-round enjoyment rank high. Hot tubs, pergolas and outdoor furniture are an important part of how homeowners recreate the five-star resort hotel experience in their own home.”  



This is no surprise. Shrinking spending on travel is directly related to the rising costs of flying and the fees charged by airlines for everything from food to checked bags. Long lines, delayed flights and security hassles don’t help either. Weekend road trips appear less desirable given the astronomical price of fuel.



But before investing money into upgrades, homeowners need to be smart about their renovation choices. In a challenging real estate market, focusing on projects that add value takes priority.



Curb Appeal

Spruce up the front of a home with a fresh coat of paint on the trim, some colorful flowers and a new door knob. The result: families will feel better about coming home each night and these improvements will help down the road.  Make a positive first impression.



Repair Obvious Damage

Don’t ignore the hole in the wall or peeling wallpaper. While some may come to accept the imperfections of a home, damage looks like an eyesore to most.



Outdoor Living

Functional outdoor living areas add the perception of usable square footage to a home. A deck or patio with a self-contained hot tub and picnic table can be a real bonus. They can be enjoyed immediately and when it comes time to move, anything that’s not bolted down can probably go too.



Wondering what expensive renovations to avoid? Experts say that conversions of a bedroom to a permanent home office, the addition of backup power generators and sunrooms offer the smallest return on investment.



For more information, checklists and tips on backyard design, or to get information from experts, visit www.HotTubGuide.com.  



Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

How to Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

– After spending the long, cold winter bundled up, a lot of people are itching to take a road trip. Whether that means you’ll be heading half way across the country or just to the next town, there’s just something about that feeling you get when you hop into the car, roll down the windows and drive.



But when your car feels like it’s 200 degrees inside on those warm sunny days, it’s hard to get in, much less going. So what can you do about it? The best solution would be to park in a garage or in the shade all the time, but a more realistic answer to this age-old problem is to add window vents to your car.



These decorative “eves” allow you to leave windows open a crack in the summertime so air can circulate. Warm air vents out and the cooler outside air finds its way in, and you don’t have to worry about a sudden rainstorm. “AVS Ventvisors are a simple and elegant solution to a problem made worse in recent years by vehicle design. Today, many vehicles have side windows that slant inward at the top, to reduce wind resistance.  As a result, when it rains, water runs off the roof and into the vehicle if a widow is open even slightly. Ventvisors will keep the rain out and let the fresh air in,” says Peter May, spokesman for AVS, a brand name known for its quality line of car customizing accessories.



His company offers two window vent styles that you can install yourself. The original Ventvisor attaches easily to the exterior of your car with strong 3M tape. The AVS In-Channel Ventvisor installs inside the window channel, giving your car a sleek, streamlined appearance. An added bonus is that no exterior tape touches the vehicle’s paint.



Made from heavy-duty acrylic, the window vents can be painted to match your car, or you can choose to use them as is, in a stylish smoke tint or chrome. Window vents are available for both the front and rear doors, and assisting with air exchange isn’t their only benefit. While you’re on the road, a window vent can also decrease wind noise for a more pleasant driving experience. For more information on AVS products, or to access a store locator, visit www.lundinternational.com.



In addition to taking steps to make your car feel cooler, it’s also important to make sure its systems will function well in warmer weather. Here’s a checklist to follow before setting out on a road trip:



* Change oil and oil filter

* Inspect radiator coolant, hoses and belts

* Have a fuel system inspection done to make sure the intake valve and combustion chamber are free from deposits

* Inspect the suspension system and replace the shocks if worn to ensure a smooth ride.

* Check brakes

* Check the tire pressure



Courtesy of ARAcontent