(ARA) - Have government or manufacturer rebate programs enticed you to purchase a new home appliance, like a clothes washer or refrigerator? Or are you simply in the market to upgrade? Before purchasing any major appliance, it's important to consider all your options before you make a final decision.
According to an October 2009 survey commissioned by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading independent safety testing organization, one in five homeowners who are involved in purchasing decisions independently reported they are likely to buy a large household appliance in the new year. That number increased to one in four upon hearing that states may offer cash back for purchasing an energy-efficient appliance during 2010.
Read more: Seek safety when purchasing energy-efficient home appliances
(ARA) - There's nothing quite like the look of a new countertop to give a kitchen style and personality. Perhaps that's why countertop replacement ranked second only to cabinet replacement when homeowners considered a kitchen remodeling project.
Unfortunately, with countertop prices at $10 to $30 per square foot for laminate and up to $200 per square foot for high-end granite, countertop replacement can be a real budget buster. But what if you could transform your outdated laminate countertop without the time, mess or expense associated with replacing it? Now, it's easy thanks to innovative, do-it-yourself coating systems like Modern Masters Countertop Transformations.
Read more: Transform your kitchen countertop for less than you'd expect
(ARA) - So you finally got the flat panel TV of your dreams. Sleek, compact and high definition, it's the crowning glory of your home entertainment system. So how do you best showcase this jewel? The experts advise - take it to the wall.
(ARA) - The best investment you can make in your home - both for your pocketbook and your personal enjoyment - is in landscaping. Real estate experts agree that every dollar you put into your yard eventually will return one to two dollars when you sell. And at a time when home values are sagging, that's something to consider.



