Since the elimination of sub-prime loans and the ever increasing challenges to obtain a loan, many willing buyers are struggling to purchase a home today. The result is that the national inventory of available homes is at about an 11 month supply. The steady increase in inventory and growing trend of desperate sellers reducing by large amounts will further be a downward pressure on the housing market unless something comes into play soon.
There needs to some replacement program to help get some buyers back in the marketplace and also more alternatives to keep homeowners in their homes.
The housing bill circulating in Washington, could help set a floor on the housing market by enabling more homeowners to stay in their homes. Slowing down the increasing inventory is one of the first steps to help stabilize markets and that is something every homeowner wants to have happen.
Moreover, the up to $7500 credit to first time home buyers will make it a little easier for those that are having trouble with current guidelines. The big question will be how many people will qualify for these programs because that will determine the effects on the housing crisis.
Your comments and opinions are welcome.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Add a Touch of Europe to Your Home: Build a Wine Cellar
Wine is becoming increasingly popular among Americans, and many homeowners are choosing to complete their luxurious homes with a classy wine cellar. Fortunately, although many factors must be considered before installing a cellar, there are several companies in the area that will guide you through the process. To help you determine whether a cellar will be a worthwhile investment for your home, I will tell you the basics of what you will need so that you can.
Wine is a very delicate and fussy item to properly store. Above anything, the temperature at which you store the wine is absolutely essential: storing wine at the wrong temperature greatly affects the flavors and aromas. Temperature fluctuation—when the wines experience hot and cold—is the worst for the wine’s health.
Therefore, you want to keep your wines in a steadily cool environment. Generally, the optimal temperature for red wines is around 55°-60°; the ideal temperature for white wines is from 49°-56°.
The reason why almost all wine cellars are located in basements or on the lowest floor is because heat rises, even through floors. The lower to the ground that a room is, the cooler it remains. If you have an empty basement, you’re in a great position to build a cellar. If you do not have a basement or have little room on the lowest floor, a cellar may not be a great fit.
Otherwise, you must also pay careful attention to how the coolness and moisture are kept in the wine cellar area:
Of course, you will need some space for the cellar itself as well as moving around and sitting down to drink the wine. But wine cellars come in many sizes and can be custom-built. For more information regarding installing wine cellars, visit http://www.vintagecellars.com/howto.asp or http://www.vinotheque.com/index.html.
**Thanks to vinotheque.com for providing great information
Wine is a very delicate and fussy item to properly store. Above anything, the temperature at which you store the wine is absolutely essential: storing wine at the wrong temperature greatly affects the flavors and aromas. Temperature fluctuation—when the wines experience hot and cold—is the worst for the wine’s health.
Therefore, you want to keep your wines in a steadily cool environment. Generally, the optimal temperature for red wines is around 55°-60°; the ideal temperature for white wines is from 49°-56°.
The reason why almost all wine cellars are located in basements or on the lowest floor is because heat rises, even through floors. The lower to the ground that a room is, the cooler it remains. If you have an empty basement, you’re in a great position to build a cellar. If you do not have a basement or have little room on the lowest floor, a cellar may not be a great fit.
Otherwise, you must also pay careful attention to how the coolness and moisture are kept in the wine cellar area:
- Insulation keeps it cool. Fiberglass or rigid foam are common options. These materials are less porous than regular foam, keep a steady climate and protect against harsh winters and hot summers. Additionally, the thicker the walls, the better. Consider using a 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 sizes.
- Ventilation airs it out. You must do everything that you can to keep heat away from the bottles. You may need a vent fan to move the energy generated from the environment and the electrical away from the cellar area. The cellar will also need unobstructed airflow.
- Electrical keeps it running. Most cellars, like refrigerators, require a significant amount of electricity. Make sure that you have at least a 20-amp circuit that can handle upwards of 110 volts.
- Floors keep out mold. The reason why cellars often have floors of slate, tile, or marble is not just because those materials look better but because they are non-porous and will not mildew. As you know, moisture and carpet or wood do not mix well. If you have carpet or wood floors, you will have to replace them.
Of course, you will need some space for the cellar itself as well as moving around and sitting down to drink the wine. But wine cellars come in many sizes and can be custom-built. For more information regarding installing wine cellars, visit http://www.vintagecellars.com/howto.asp or http://www.vinotheque.com/index.html.
**Thanks to vinotheque.com for providing great information
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