Expert Advice on Home Improvement

If you’re considering buying a home, now is the time! The $8,000 federal tax credit for new homebuyers—which was to expire November 30, 2009—has been extended through April 30, 2010. In addition, it’s been expanded to include a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who buy a home as well. Read in full.

We’re taking a look at some innovative green ideas from the Los Angeles homes of actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. and science guru Bill Nye. From conserving water to solar landscape lighting to green lawn equipment, find out how you can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Read in full.

Now that the weather’s getting cooler, my houseplants are beginning to protest a little – they know that they belong in the tropics, and they’re not too keen on spending their winters in an artificially heated climate. Read on for some tips on how to help your houseplants make it through the winter. Read in full.

Owning a home often involves tackling common maintenance and repair chores around your home. Access Hollywood entertainment correspondent, Laura Saltman, received a helping hand from Danny and Allen to solve some nagging repair problems on her home in Los Angeles. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Fall leaves and footballs are in the air… Sort of sad to say goodbye to the summer fun and warm weather, but it’s time to get energized for those seasonal “honey-do’s”! I’ve created the perfect list you can print to keep things organized…pick the ones you find most helpful or add ones you’d like to get done. Read in full.

More than ever, do-it-yourself homeowners are choosing to make their own repairs and improvements to increase the value of their homes. In her new book, Fix It in a Flash: 25 Essential Home Repairs and Improvements, Jodi Marks offers step-by-step instructions that will make your home repairs a success every time. Read in full.

Instead of sending your leaves to the landfill, consider recycling them to feed the plants in your garden. Leaves are a great, free source of nutrients and insulation for your garden if used correctly, and you can keep your lawn neat while still allowing nature to work its magic. Read on to find out how to recycle the leaves in your yard. Read in full.

Homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years, and meet certain other requirements, may be eligible for a refundable federal tax credit of up to $6,500 if they purchase a new home by April 30, 2010. Read on to find out how you can qualify. Read in full.

From hurricanes and floods to tornadoes and fires, natural disasters are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. While August through October are the peak months of hurricane season, being prepared for a natural disaster isn’t just confined to a few months out of the year or those living along the coast. Here are a few basic steps you can take now to prepare for the worst. Read in full.

Check out our Hurricane Help page for a wealth of articles and videos on how to prepare your home for the next tropical storm. You’ll also find a printable hurricane supply list you can take to the store with you, as well as a hurricane to-do list to help you get ready before the next big one hits. Read in full.