Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

By Mickey Matteson Unemployment is the highest it has been in 25 years. The DOW dropped to a record low in March. Everything is getting more expensive. These days we are faced with a lot of negative statistics and consumer confidence is suffering. When it comes to moving, one might think that the...

With the cost of insuring homes on the rise in recent years, now is a good time to examine your policy and look for ways to save money.  The Insurance Information Institute, a non-profit organization supported by the property and casualty insurance business, attributes the increases to the mounti...

Fewer homeowners may be starting complete kitchen remodels, but they're still replacing countertops and re-facing cabinets. They're also investing in improvements to make their homes more energy-efficient.  Others are splurging on hot tubs and home theaters after realizing that they may be in the...

You can benefit from energy-efficient financing whether you're buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling a home. If you're looking to buy an energy-efficient home, you can qualify for a better, more comfortable home because with lower utility costs, you can afford a slightly larger mortgage pay...

Oncor contractors conduct 'energy audit' to help homeowner cut costs. Tips for cutting electric bills this summer: Change to energy-efficient light bulbs. Replacing the filter in your air conditioner Set your thermostat at 78 or higher this summer. According to Reliant Energy, every degree below ...

1. You are familiar with the market. If you've been paying attention to how much houses are listed for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing and have a realistic view of how much a house will cost you, you're in good shape. But if you're dreaming about that big corner house with no clue about it's a...

With houses remaining unsold for months -- even years, in some cases -- it's clearly not a good time to sell your home.But if you're planning to sell soon despite the market conditions, how can you help your home stand out from the crowd? Top 5 midrange renovations by return on investment. Projec...

Not along ago, few people had even heard of a short sale, which occurs when the bank agrees to discount the loan balance for a seller who owes more on his mortgage than the home is currently worth. If you're in the market for a home today, you're almost guaranteed to be looking at some short sale...

1. Check the manual that came with your dishwasher; many models have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater to a lower temperature. 2. Let your dishes air dry. If you don't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the do...

The time is definitely right for many first-time home buyers, however you should not forget to include these costs into your budget. Cost #1: Getting readyStart the process by polishing your credit report. While the cost can be relatively minor, it's particularly important now that banks are bein...