There are few rites of spring more satisfying than the annual clean. For many people, however, the pleasure comes only after the work is finished. Your spring cleaning may never become effortless, but you can make the project more manageable --  and even enjoyable. This printable checklist offers an overview of everything you need to know -- including information on cleansers, stain removal, fabric care, and storage -- to zip through the process and arrive at a happy end.
After you read through the tips and techniques, tailor the list to your home and yard. Create a realistic schedule, keeping in mind that a single weekend won't suffice, as you'll need several days for more involved projects, such as shampooing carpets and organizing closets. Whether you prefer to proceed from the attic to the basement or start outdoors and wind your way inside, focus on one task at a time. And be sure to enlist the help of family members.
from Martha Stewart Living, April 200 ...

Lock or unlock your doors (and see who's been in your house) via a mobile Web app. Or simply transfer the concept of the car-door key fob convenience to your home. SimpliciKey's wireless deadbolt system assigns key codes and key fobs to specific household members, and keeps track of who has come and gone. There are no subscription fees, the company says; door hardware (in three finishes), KeyCloud Internet access and two fobs are $349 to $449.simplicikey.com

As of Jan. 1, everyone can gift (tax-free to everyone) up to $14,000 per year. That means your parents can gift you up to $28,000 toward the value of the property. If you are married, and your husband will go on title with you, this number can be increased to $56,000.

Purple Heart Homes and Citi Provide Housing Solutions and Support for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans and Their Families
NEW YORK, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A collaboration between Purple Heart Homes and Citi to provide housing solutions for service-connected disabled veterans will mean that a number of military veterans and their families will soon be able to start new lives in their new homes. Starting this month with former U.S. Army Corporal Hamilton Kinard and his family, who moved into a fully renovated new home in Claxton, Georgia, Purple Heart Homes and Citi are helping injured returning troops begin the next phase of their lives with the modified housing and support they need.
Under the program, Citi works with Purple Heart Homes to identify properties in its REO inventory that are in locations in which a service-connected disabled veteran is in need of a housing arrangement that accommodates his/her injury-related challenges. Purple Heart Homes then works with third-p9 ...

Eight steps to buying your home

1. Decide to buy.
Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home, wealth building ranks among the top of the list. We call home ownership the best “accidental investment” most people ever make. But, we believe when it is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” that lays the foundation for a life of financial security and personal choice. There are solid financial reasons to support your decision to buy a home, and, among these, equity buildup, value appreciation, and tax benefits stand out.
Base your decision to buy on facts, not fears.
If you are paying rent, you very likely can afford to buy
There is never a wrong time to buy the right home. All you need to do in the short run is find a good buy and make sure you have the financial ability to hold it for the long run
The lack of a substantial down payment doesn’t prevent you from making your first home purchase
A less-than-perfect cred ...