Homeowners going ‘green’ in their gardens
Gardeners are turning to organic fertilizers, composting and other natural gardening methods in an effort to keep themselves and the earth healthy. “I think people are starting to jump on that bandwagon,” said Chris McDonald, manager at Ray Wiegand’s Nursery and Garden Center.

Builders ‘deck’ out home exteriors
With temperatures now reaching the 80s and 90s, more metro Detroiters are enjoying the outdoors. But according to local builders, homeowners who lack a desirable deck have more options than just spending their summer on the grass.

Turning negatives into positives
Foreclosures hurt the economy:  Not only has a family lost their home, but cities lose tax revenue and neighborhoods lose value due to vacant homes and the ensuing blight, not to mention the safety of a community.

Positive real estate changes in the air
There’s no question that news in the real estate industry has taken on a negative tone in recent years, with the collapse of the sub-prime market and the resulting foreclosures, not to mention the continuing decline in home values — especially in Michigan, where the foreclosure crisis is coupled with job loss and the economy continues to flail.

Water and fire features make for backyard bliss
Much has been said about the oft-touted concept of curb appeal — creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape design that leads directly to the front door. But what about backyard appeal?

Green thumb gardening advice for greenhorns
Now that warmer weather has finally set in, it’s time to start getting dirty — in the garden, that is — and checking out the plant stock at local garden centers, nurseries and greenhouses, where perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and evergreens sit in pots awaiting new homes in yards across metro Detroit.

Fix cracks before home sale crumbles
Those looking to sell their home should start checking at the curb to make sure they stand out from the crowd. “I think in the type of market that we’re in right now, the biggest issue is that there is so much competition, so you really want to stand out as being in the top five (of comparable homes in the area),” said Realtor Eva Morrow, with Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham.

Potential buyers need to assess saving,
spending habits before going after dream home
The “For Sale” signs beckon from metro Detroit’s lawns. But for the home shopper who doesn’t want to become a foreclosure statistic, figuring out how to wisely save for and pay for a home can be daunting.

Local builder receives honors
Lombardo Homes recently received the distinction of being Michigan’s largest, privately held builder, with more than 20,000 developments since its inception in 1961 and more to come. This comes on the heels of being named the Michigan Building Industry Association’s 2007 Developer of the Year and being ranked in the top three of the J.D. Power Award for Customer Service in 2005, among other accomplishments.