Larry Rhodes

Coming up with a down payment in today's economy can be difficult.  In most cases the down payment is expected to be 20% of the purchase price, and in some markets where housing prices are high that can be nearly impossible for the average person to save.  So are there ways to get around this?  Can you buy a home even if you...

Fix it up: The light fixtures in your home are a reflection of your personal style and taste. Adding additional fixtures or replacing ones that aren’t your favorites can be a fun and creative way to brighten up your home! Candlescaping: Candles are generally inexpensive and are extremely versatile. Adding various candle arrangements to different rooms...

Set the timer: Program your thermostat to reach lower temperatures while you’re sleeping or out of the house. This simple action can save you a lot of money—and will ensure that your house stays at a comfortable temperature at all times. Open and shut: During daytime hours, keep your blinds, draperies and other window coverings open....

Roof repairs: If you can safely get onto your roof to inspect for missing shingles or other factors that may lead to a leaky roof, now’s the time to do it! If not, call in a professional organization and have them take care of the rooftop work for you. Seal it off: Inspect doors and windows...

Plug it in: Make sure that all of your appliances are in working order. The last thing you need with a house full of guests is a broken dishwasher or washing machine! Make space: Clean out the dressers and closets in the guest room(s) to ensure that your friends and family will feel comfortable and at...

Barbecue: Nothing says summertime as much as an old-fashioned barbecue! Do you have friends or family who still haven’t had the chance to see your beautiful new home? Invite them over for an afternoon of sun, fun, and a tour of the house. Campout fun: Another longstanding tradition is the summer campout—but this doesn’t mean you...

Keep it green: Harsh summer heat can up the ante when it comes to caring for your lawn. Make sure to keep it watered and fertilized! Fire it up: Get a head start for the upcoming winter and clean out your wood-burning fireplace and chimney. You’ll have one less winter task to attend to!

Spin it: Ceiling fans are an excellent way to keep everyone cool, and they’re beautiful as well. But did you know that they can also help you save on your energy bill? By circulating cool air throughout your home, you won’t need to keep the thermostat set as low as you would without the help of one, two...

Water = Green: Water is one ingredient that your lawn cannot live without, so make sure that you’ve got a great routine in place for keeping the lawn damp. If you have a good sprinkler system installed, you’re already a step ahead of the game! If not, make sure that you’re reaching all areas of the lawn if...

Maintenance means everything: Ideally, you should clean your gutters twice per year. Maintaining clean gutters will help you to avoid drainage problems that could potentially lead to more costly repairs. Climb on up: Borrowing (or investing in) a good, sturdy ladder is the key to ensuring your personal safety and to making the task as hassle-free...