If you are seeking to get away from the daily grind, then let your hair down and get on a boat. According to a 2005 survey conducted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, boating ranks among the top three stress-relieving activities, along with road trips and exercise. Half of respondents who enjoy or have been boating said the best thing about boating is that it lets them spend time in nature and the outdoors, while 25 percent ... [full story]

Few things are more disruptive and frustrating than unexpected home repairs. And when they occur, they can be budget-busters. From water heaters to air conditioners to dishwashers, homeowners spend hundreds of dollars annually to maintain and repair their home's systems and appliances. When major systems fail, expenses are even greater, averaging more than $1,000 in repairs, according to experts. The good news is, there's a practical and affordable solution to the surprise costs and hassles when home ... [full story]

How can you find and buy a home to enjoy for years to come? The first step is to answer this simple question honestly: Is it the right time for you to buy? You need to consider the tax deduction, building equity, monthly mortgage payments and maintenance expenses, funding for a down payment and closing costs, and staying in the home long enough for its appreciation to cover your transaction costs. If you can afford and ... [full story]

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It's a small piece of advice that becomes ever more valuable when you're trying to sell your home. The first impression your home leaves is based on its "curb appeal," which correlates directly to the home's perceived value. In fact, attractive, high-quality landscaping can lead to a 100 percent return on investment when a home is sold. Finding quality home-improvement products is the first ... [full story]

If you live in an average market and paid $200,000 for your home just four years ago, it is now likely to be worth more than $292,000. And if you were able to purchase just three more houses, then in four years, you could have sold those three homes and made enough money to pay off your mortgage. If you think this is impossible because you are worried about finding the money to use as ... [full story]

Nothing compares to the excitement of buying a home for the first time. However, purchasing a home also can be a nerve-racking experience, particularly if this is the first time you have dealt with real estate agents, shopped for a home loan or negotiated for the price you want. Being prepared and well-informed can help you reduce stress and make the process a success. American Home Shield, a national home warranty company based in Memphis, Tenn., ... [full story]

The recent housing market boom has resulted in a substantial rise in the number of new property investors. What new investors might not know is that investment property depreciation is the second most frequently missed deduction on federal income tax forms. But there's help. A new service created by three real estate experts enables property investors to quickly identify and track personal property, or "chattels," to accelerate their depreciation deductions. Chattel Appraisals - an easy-to-use online ... [full story]

 If you want to increase the value of your home, invest in landscaping. A Clemson University study found that landscaping around your home can result in more than a 100 percent return on investment. Since the return on investment is contingent upon the quality of the landscaping job, it's important that you find the right landscaping contractor for your project and use high-quality materials like segmental retaining walls and interlocking concrete pavers. Homeowners should consider ... [full story]

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. According to Car-Accidents.net, they occur approximately 6.4 million times each year. Although being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, knowing what to do in the moments following a fender-bender can help alleviate some of the stress and confusion of the situation. The service specialists at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge offer the following tips on how to handle a car accident: * Don't leave the ... [full story]

According to national surveys, most Americans know that massage therapy can help relieve stress and pain and benefit their overall health. If you've decided to get a massage but haven't had one before, you may have questions about what to expect during your session. The American Massage Therapy Association offers the following information for first-time recipients of massage: * Massage is beneficial whether fully or partially clothed. It's your choice whether to remove some of your ... [full story]