Matt Barker

Stachybotrys, or toxic black mold, mold spores are carried on the air and on clothing and pets into your home. While molds in general are quite common in the home, toxic black mold is not as common as other forms. Toxic black mold can cause some pretty serious health problems, particularly for anyone with allergies or pre-existing respiratory issues.

Prospective buyers in an empty house are forced to use their imaginations to see how they might use these empty spaces, which often results in a lack of interest in your home. Entire empty houses are even harder for a prospective buyer to feel at home in as it's really just a big empty shell.

The species of house plants to purchase or borrow for your home will also depend on how much light each room gets. Sun loving plants will not tolerate shady areas well and vice versa. For any rooms that you think lack of light may be an issue, look into using silk plants instead. If you have children or pets, keep in mind that some plants are quite toxic and may be better avoided.

For a more portable alternative, there are a few companies that produce small custom pre-made homes built on trailer frames. These homes range from 65 square feet to about 130 square feet. These homes are beautifully crafted small homes, full of rustic charm and personality.

As with so many other trends in home styles and decorating, wallpaper has ridden the rising and falling waves of popularity over the years. However, in recent years wallpaper has come back into style with some rich new designs and textures. Whether making your new home unique, or prepping your house for sale, wallpapering can provide great visual interest.

As our population ages, it becomes more vital to take different levels of ability into account when building or renovating our homes. By incorporating universal design elements into a new home or renovation project you can not only increase your number of potential buyers if you sell your home later on, but it will make your home more accessible to you if you find yourself having mobility problems later in life.

The core purpose of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is to help its members become more profitable and successful." This does not appear to be reflected in the online treatment of NAR members.

The Platinum plan offers benefits for physicians, hospitalization and surgery and is designed for NAR members who are otherwise uninsurable.

Tips for buying a home during the winter months

How to sell your home in the winter. Tips and strategy on selling your home in the winter.