Naveen Vadlamudi's blog

The housing market has been cooling down, but there’s no need to panic.

U.S. homebuilding rose in October, led by multi-family housing projects. Single-family homebuilding, however, fell for the second month in a row, decreasing 2.6% year-over-year — the largest drop since March 2015.

Meanwhile, existing-home sales increased 1.4% in October from the previous month. But sales are down 5.1% from a year earlier, representing the largest annual decline since 2014.

“Given the rapid increase in home prices over the past few years, and the recent pick-up in mortgage rates, the housing market...

Smart ways to give yourself-and the environment-a break from big, demanding lawns

PHOTO BY KAREN BUSSOLINI

Less lawn can result in outdoor living spaces that demand less of your time and energy—not to mention less water, gas, and electricity. Fall's cooler temperatures make now a good time to set the wheels in motion for a new and improved yard.

Less-lawn solution: If you live where every house flaunts an immaculate, weed-free front lawn, giving up grass entirely might read as an act of rebellion. But you can gradually shift toward a front yard that's more garden than lawn by...

Over the years Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan has helped countless clients transform their spaces. In the process she's learned which sentiments to embrace and which to avoid. The design pitfall she sees most often? "Tunnel vision.

Photo: Julie Soefer

Many people become consumed with the transformation of one space and forget to take a step back to determine how well it fits within the rest of the home,” she says. But clutter comes in a close second. As Flanigan sees it, “We have a natural desire to fill our homes with things and forget that the most powerful rooms are often...

A store-to-floor guide for adding 

PHOTO BY COURTESY OF MOHAWK FLOORING

or replacing this versatile floor covering.

Buying the right type of carpet for a room in your home involves more than finding a style in the color you like. You first will need to consider your lifestyle—what you typically do in that room—location, material, construction, and upkeep. Carpet manufacturers have responded to homeowners' desire for great looks, value, and easy maintenance with many innovations and options in recent years.

Read on for our carpet buying guide to terms and products, to help you navigate...

The probability of a home surviving a wildfire greatly increases with two fire-wise home improvements: fire-retardant building materials and, in the yard, the creation of defensible space.

Learn how to design an effective and beautiful fire-safe landscape that could save your home

In the wake of the relief effort after California's recent wildfire devastation, a major component in fire-safe home rebuilding is "defensible space"—a specially planned and designed area around your home that provides maneuvering space for firefighters, serves as a barrier to impede raging wildfires from...

Don’t leave your basement neglected. A little time and effort can turn your basement into a spectacular space your family loves.

Basements are often the spinster relatives of the rest of the house, says designer Robin Siegerman, principal of Sieguzi Kitchen & Home Inc. and author of Renovation Bootcamp: Kitchens. If you have a finished basement but it's outdated and you want to make it more inviting, or drywalled and insulated (and therefore suitable as a casual living space) but otherwise bare, you can spruce it up without spending a lot of money. (If it is unfinished, however,...

The last thing you want on moving day is a problem with the moving company. Ideally, you want them to show up on time, handle your possessions with care, and act professionally. Here are some tips that will help you choose the best mover for your needs.

1. Get a recommendation from someone you trust. That could be a friend, family member or colleague. As your real estate agent, I can also recommend some reputable movers.
2. Get everything in writing. Make sure you understand exactly what you’ll be paying. Ask about circumstances where extra charges may be applied.
3. Ask if the moving company...

When it comes to home fire safety, a little preparation and precaution go a long way toward ensuring your family, your home, and your valuables are protected.  Consider the following important information about preventing, fighting and escaping residential fires.

Fires and Fire Extinguishers
Fires are classified into different types, depending on the material burning. Fire extinguishers are similarly classified according to the type of burning materials they are designed to extinguish: A type for paper, wood and natural fabric; B type for grease, oil and combustible fuels; and C type...

Sometimes you know a desirable street when you see one. For example, it’s obvious that a home on a cul-de-sac is enticing mainly because there isn’t any through traffic.

What are the other characteristics of a desirable street that may not be as obvious? Here are just a few:

Sidewalks. A sidewalk in front of your home is not only handy, it also adds to the property’s curb appeal. In addition, if you have kids, a sidewalk makes it easier - and safer - for them to play and visit neighbourhood friends.

Mature trees. Trees lining the street add depth and beauty. Most homeowners value front...

If you’re like most people, you go to see a doctor when you’re not feeling well or have a health concern. However, you may also visit your doctor for a check-up, or to ask questions about healthy living.

In fact, consulting your doctor for anything health-related is a smart idea.

The same holds true when it comes to real estate.

Many people only call a real estate agent when they’re planning on selling their property, buying a new home, or doing both. While that’s an important reason to speak to a real estate agent, it’s not the only reason.

Indeed, there are many good reasons for you...