The top two rooms to remodel are the kitchen and bathroom – and for good reason.  Both of these rooms are focal points for buyers and if you invest your money wisely, you are sure to get your equity returned when you resale your house.  When focusing on remodeling your kitchen, keep in mind that cabinetry and appliances are important selling points.  Be sure you choose a classic look that can easily be modified for different decorating styles.  When contemplating cabinetry keep these tips in mind:            Oak, cherry, chestnut and red birch with light or medium stains remain wise investments.            If you insist on painting your cabinets, think white or earth tones.Think functionality in your design.  Be sure your cabinets will conveniently fit pots and pans near the stove, cleaning supplies near your sink, etc.If your kitchen opens up to another room, you may want to consider 42 inch cabinets.  These are taller than the rest of the cabinetry allowing your kitchen to have a distinct separation from other rooms.For those who have some flare in their design style, remember you can always add bold colors in your accessories throughout the kitchen.  You may want to consider placing glass doors on some of your upper cabinets so that you can display bold colored dishes or appliances.  You can also easily add crown molding to your cabinets or unique cabinet handles.  With a classic foundation and careful designing, the sky is the limit on the many options you have to create your personal and distinctive kitchen. 

It may be a buyer’s market, but for how much longer?  Throughout the last half century every time new housing starts dropped below the one million mark, it has been the end of a recession.  And that is exactly what has happened this quarter.  Of course the cycle of history is no guarantee of the future but many other factors point in the same direction.  Generally share price movements forecast the direction of the real economy and homebuilding stocks have risen more than 50% on average from January 2008.  With the economy showing signs of rebirth, time is limited for buyers to seize ideal real-estate opportunities.  More and more buyers are placing offers on bargain sales and hard assets are in high demand.  If you are looking for a bargain deal, states such as Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas are prime for the hunt – but don’t wait or it may become a seller’s market again soon.

Looking for a great vacation spot without draining your pockets?  You may be surprised to find the Oklahoma has been named among one of the cheapest vacation spots in the nation.  According to AAA’s survey the national average for two adults vacationing in Oklahoma is $178.78 per day, compared to $606.38 for a day in New York City.  Not only will you save money vacationing in Oklahoma, but also in fuel and traveling costs.  Oklahoma is optimally located within short drives from many areas of the nation and Oklahoma averages fuel at nearly 16 cents per gallon less than the national average.  Sound intriguing?  You may be surprised to find that Oklahoma has a number of well kept secret vacation spots that will easily compare to your popular high-priced vacation areas.  If you are looking for a lake retreat surrounded by rolling hills, you may want to look at Grand Lake or Lake Eufaula.  For an educational and memorial vacation, you may want look into visiting the Oklahoma National Memorial in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City.  Another option may be a sight-seeing, wine tasting vacation through the hills of southeast or northeast Oklahoma.  And don’t count out visiting a production at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center .  The options are unlimited but one thing is certain – Oklahoma will offer you a numerous vacation opportunities without putting a big dent in your pocketbook.

With spring fever well underway many find this time opportune for home improvements.  But one word of caution – don’t start more than you have the time and energy to complete.  One key rule to remember – first impression are everything.  If you don’t know where to start, begin with the focus point of your house – the front view.You will be amazed with the transformation you can accomplish simply by changing out your front door.  Many overlook their dated, weathered front door but your front door is the first impression visitors have of your home.  By using a prehung door, you can avoid a lot labor and work as prehung doors come with weather-stripping attached, predrilled holes, and it is already mounted on the frame.  If you choose to order a prehung door, be sure to take several things into account:

1. Know the material of door and frame you are looking for.
2. Be sure you have taken accurate measurements of the door’s size.
3. Determine which direction the door needs to swing open.
4. Know the sizes of the bores (predrilled holes) you will need.
5. Expect exterior doors to include weather-stripping and sills.

Once you are satisfied with you front door, create a design for your garden that will compliment your house’s new front entry.  One basic rule for garden design – treat exterior spaces the same as interior spaces and pay great attention to proportions and scale.  Also by keeping a rhythm in your garden, you will have more flexibility to draw the eye to focal points of choice, such as decorative pieces, special plants, or a particular space.  But be sure to be practical.  You don’t want to place bee-attracting flowers next to your sidewalk or mosquito-attracting water pieces at your front door.  With a little preplanning and a lot love and care, you can transform the curb appeal of your home with little labor and little time.