You may think you have found the perfect plot of land to build a home. It’s spacious, cheap, near a good school district, and has excellent soil for landscaping. However, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re looking to build a house, you should always consider external factors that could be problematic after the building process. Occasionally, you hear horror stories about communities being built on top of Native American graveyards, for example. Before building your dream house, you should always consider any nearby structures that could wind up being attributed to pollution, bad odors, excessive noise, or frustrating traffic. Ask around the neighborhood before settling on a plot of land to determine any disadvantages that come with your particular location.

1. Railroads

   By building your home near a railroad that’s still in use, you’re essentially committing to constant, blaring train horns and the sound of train engines chugging along the course. Trains are loud, and you can often hear them from miles away. Depending on how close you are to the actual track, the passing of trains could potentially be felt from within the house. They may cause a rumbling similar to a small-scale earthquake. For this reason, the foundation of the house could be compromised over time.

2. Nudist Colonies/Nude Beaches

   Be sure not to build your house adjacent to a nudist colony or nude beach, unless you’re extremely comfortable with seeing mainly elderly and otherwise out-of-shape naked bodies on the regular. Nudist spots tend to attract the less fortunate looking folks in society. If you must build your home near one of these naturist locations, building a tall wall on the exterior of your yard should block out any gruesome views. On the plus side, it’s illegal for nudists to leave the community and venture onto commercial or public property without first clothing themselves, so you won’t have to worry about running into them at the local grocery store.

3. Power Plants

   Building your home near a nuclear power plant is generally a bad idea, as any accident that occurs at a power plant could cause catastrophe for you and your home. Many power plants spew dirty, polluted smoke from their towers, which you will be forced to breathe with such close proximity. You could be subject to radiation. Contaminated water could be an issue. Likewise, there’s always the persistent fear of cancer and whether cases of cancer are higher in areas near nuclear power plants, a topic that is regularly debated but not entirely proven.

4. Livestock Farms

   There’s a reason cattle farms are usually located in the countryside. Not only do the cattle need the acreage to roam and chew their cud, but suburbanites don’t typically flock to live near the smell of cow manure. In fact, living next to a livestock farm can actually have some health implications. In a study compiled by Utrecht University, research found that living near a livestock farm could cause an increase in risks of developing asthma. Cows can be loud, and some farms use the methane from their waste to produce electricity via manure pits, which will compound the smell even further.

5. Airports

   According to the US-Citizens Aviation Watch, a myriad of chemicals are expelled from jet planes that can be harmful if not deadly upon exposure. These carcinogenic emissions are not the only cause for concern, however. If you live next to an airport, you are also subjected to a great deal of noise pollution. The prolonged exposure to aircraft noise has been shown to cause health problems on its own, such as stress, high blood pressure, insomnia, and even mental development problems in children. Airports tend to come with a constant flow of traffic, which would become tiresome after a while. Perhaps the only positive aspect of living near an airport would be the ability to get away at any moment’s time, but this certainly isn’t enough to compensate for its many negative aspects.

6. Flood-Prone Areas

   Living near a body of water, particularly in an area that is technically below sea-level, is extremely foolish. Flooding is not the same as most natural disasters, such as tornadoes or earthquakes, because its trends are extremely predictable. Many people may live in Tornado Alley without ever experiencing a tornado, while those who live in flood plains can expect to be flooded year after year. If you’re going to build your home in this area, at least build your home on a raised foundation to deter some of the water damage from occurring and invest in flood insurance.

7. Stadiums

   Building your home uphill from a stadium may grant you free views of games as they occur, but in most cases, this will prove to be more of a curse than an advantage. Stadiums do not make good neighbors. They emit bright lights, a jeering chorus of mostly drunk spectators, sounds of brass brands at halftime, and calls made out over megaphones much to the chagrin of anyone living in close proximity. Some stadiums shoot off fireworks, while others sound off canon blasts marking important scores. The surrounding neighborhood will be essentially converted into a parking lot prior to each game. You may also become quite irritated with hearing various renditions of the National Anthem on game nights, which will be played over the loud speaker.

Home safety is something that many people take for granted. You spend a lot of money on a mortgage or on rent, so you assume that the landlord or builder is responsible for creating a safe home environment. This isn’t entirely true: There are numerous dangers in the home that you will need to be aware of and take precautions against.

Most homes will have general safety features already. If you don’t have a functioning smoke alarm, you should get one right away! You should check your batteries every six months to make sure that this life-saving device can keep working around the clock. Having a few functioning smoke alarms can help save you a bit of money on home insurance as well. Lighting doesn’t seem like a safety tool until you stub your toe in the middle of the night or take a worse fall over an obstacle. Make sure that you promptly replace burnt-out bulbs, especially ones that are outdoors or by stairways. Consider a motion-detecting light outside both for safety and security. If you have a balcony or a deck, or you plan on installing one, always get a safety inspector or contractor to check professionally for safety codes. If you notice a railing or handrail is starting to become loose, immediately inform others and get it fixed.

If you’re planning on an addition to your family, baby proofing is a very important step. The most common devices that you can buy are electrical socket covers and cabinet locks. Cabinet locks are important to keep an infant from accessing chemicals or from pulling heavy objects down onto themselves. People often overlook electrical cords, but these are an easy way for a baby to pull a lamp or computer down on his or her head. To ensure that you’ve accounted for everything, spend a few minutes in each room crawling on the floor. Try to pull at everything you can. Invest in a couple baby gates: Though someone should always have an eye on your baby, put these up by stairs and other “off limits” areas just in case. Make sure you’ve exhausted all available resources so that you don’t miss anything.

No matter what age a person is, the kitchen can be the site of many accidents. The first rule of knife safety may seem counterintuitive: Keep knives sharp! Dull knives cause more accidents because they are harder to use. Make sure that all of your appliances are in proper working order as well. If something is broken, don’t try to fix it yourself. If you notice that something is jamming a garbage disposal, don’t even think about reaching down there, with your hand or anything else, unless the disposal is unplugged. Even then, watch for sharp blades and consider calling a professional. Make sure that children and family members are aware of stove safety. Many models now have a light that indicates a hot surface even if the stove itself is off. Keep a box of baking soda or a fire extinguisher nearby for oil fires; if you try to put a flaming pan of oil out with water, you’ll just send scalding grease flying in every direction. Teach children not to put metal or non-food objects in the microwave or else you might need another fire extinguisher near the microwave. Start with this checklist to learn more safe habits.

Bathrooms are the top place in the home for slips and falls, and they are especially dangerous for for elderly family members. If you have a particularly deep bathtub, consider installing safety rails. Look at your bathroom with a critical eye: If a person slips, what can they grab on to? Shower curtains, curtain rods and towel rods are all too weak to hold a person’s weight and may make a fall worse. You can also buy non-slip rubber mats for the tub, shower and tile floor.

If you have a pool, you should already be aware of the safety issues. Pool areas should be completely enclosed by a fence. Research government safety regulations. Lock the gate whenever you are not using the pool. Make sure that you have pool safety equipment. You’ll want flotation devices placed around the pool. Make it clear that running is not allowed, but you’ll also want a first aid kit in case of falls. You can invest in rubber mats to make the area less slippery.

Should an emergency occur, at your pool or anywhere else, it helps to know basic first aid. You should try to learn CPR and check frequently for updates on technique. The American Red Cross is the all-inclusive resource for first aid preparation. Post emergency numbers by a telephone or somewhere central. Include the family physician, poison control, a local hospital and emergency contacts. Practice a fire drill with your family yearly. Provide children with safety ladders, but make it clear that they are for an emergency only. Train family members to check doors for heat and to stay low and out of the smoke. Remember that smoke inhalation causes more deaths than the actual fire does.

The most common danger in a household is also the easiest to prevent. Household cleaners and chemicals are found in almost every room in a house but accidental ingestion or application of these products can be extremely harmful and in some cases, even fatal. In fact, household cleaners are the number one cause of child poisoning. A daunting 150 common household chemicals are linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer, and psychological abnormalities. Dangerous chemicals, like antifreeze, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and windshield wiper fluids are fatal if ingested. Bleach and ammonia will burn skin if it comes in direct contact. Still other cleaning products such as air fresheners, moth balls, and motor oil when inhaled can cause severe nerve damage, blindness, or even coma. These chemicals should be placed well out of reach of children and pets. Store them in secure places to ensure they are not accidentally consumed or spilled.

Home safety is as much about prevention as it is about preparation. You should try to make a schedule to check the stability of rails and fences and keep extra light bulbs, batteries and first aid supplies on hand. Make sure that your family is educated about what to do in an emergency. You can go over this information through drills, reading informational materials or even by acting out skits.

Despite the economic downturn, mortgage rates are actually lower than they have been in the last year or so. Experts predict a possible upturn in the future, but for now banks are rejoicing because of the recent low rate. The average rate for fixed 30-year mortgages was hovering around 3.88%, a significant decline from last year’s rate at 4.80%.

• Wells Fargo

  Currently the leader in the low-rate mortgage field, Wells Fargo lowered its interest rates even further this weekend on fixed-rate mortgages, offering locked rates as low as 3.75%. The less popular 15-year FRM (primarily used by those refinancing) is available at a rate of 2.87%. Wells Fargo has remained relatively stable in the last year, maintaining customer satisfaction and trust.

• Bank of America

  In close second, Bank of America offers fixed-rate mortgages at 3.87%, a fractionally higher number than Wells Fargo. Its 15-year FRM is comparatively low as well; sitting nicely at 3%. However, Bank of America also asks for an annual percentage rate of 3.24%.

• Chase

  Chase has higher fixed rates than both Wells Fargo and Bank of America with its listed lows at 4% for the 30-year mortgage and 3.125% for the 15-year plan. Although Chase is technically third in this comparison, it still managed to raise its rates since last week.

• SunTrust

  With its lowest rates available still significantly higher than its competition, SunTrust is hardly a top choice when it comes to mortgage rates. For the 30-year plan, it advertises a FRM of 3.99%, which is higher than the national average. The 15-year rate is not much better, close to 3.375% with an annual percentage rate of 3.4%.

Refinancing

With lower rates available, many homeowners are looking into refinancing as a means to relieve the extra burden on their mortgages. The Home Affordable Refinance Program has been a key player in assisting homeowners who are not necessarily behind on payments, but due to declined value of their homes, are unable to refinance for lower rates. HARP helps you acquire a more affordable and stable mortgage for some refinance fees. In order to be eligible for HARP, your mortgage must be owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac on or before May 31, 2009, the current loan-to-value ratio must be greater than 80%, and the borrower must be up-to-date with payments and have a good payment history for the past 12 months.

Home vs. Apartment Vacancies

The fear over mortgage rates and foreclosures may be the reason that homeownership rates have fallen to their lowest since 1997. Reports show that the rate has dropped from 66% in the fourth quarter down to 65.4%. In June of 2004, the level was at 69.2%. Considering house prices and mortgage rates have fallen over the last year, however, it comes as a surprise that consumers would rather rent than own their home. With the decline of homeownership rates, there was an equal fall in apartment vacancy rates. A fall to 4.9% in the first quarter marks an 11-year low, records show. This is down from 9.7% a year earlier. On the subject of vacancies, 18.5 million homes of the estimated 132.6 million homes were vacant in the first quarter according to reports.

Political Solution

It is interesting to note that although the elections are just a few short months away, none of the candidates in the race for presidency have said much about their plans for fixing the housing problems. The primary focus of their campaigning lies in the economics related to health care and in the most general sense, the overall United States debt. It would seem that Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul, regardless of their political party, have more to say about the state of our economy than the effect it is having on the housing market. As of yet, no solutions have even been proposed.

Self-Solving Market

Politicians may not have to come up with a solution to the housing-market crisis though. Given the recent rise in the housing market, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has stated that the housing market is officially on the road to recovery as indicated by the latest signing activity and the reduction in foreclosures. Perhaps political intervention will be unnecessary. This of course begs the question: what would happen if changes were made to the market? Should we just leave things the way they are and let the market recover on its own or should we do something to ensure its stability? The combination of lower fixed-rate mortgages offered by the banks in addition to the cheaper houses available on the market may be the saving factor for the housing market. It just goes to show that government intervention is not always necessary in order for things to stabilize on its own.

Living in a clustered city is the only lifestyle most people know. They move to a neighborhood because it has a good school district, because job opportunities are better, or in order to be closer to a loved one. Humans, for the most part, are social creatures. However, there are the rare individuals who enjoy solitude, and would be just as happy to live as far away from the hustle and bustle of city life as possible. Some of these hermits live so remotely, they can’t be accessed by any conventional road, or they don’t have any modern day utilities. In fact, the only reason we even know they’re on the map may be due to the government’s attentiveness to the United States census.

1. Holy City, California

   William E. Riker more or less founded Holy City, California in 1919, when he started a cultish religious base there called “The Perfect Christian Divine Way.” Located off of the Santa Cruz highway, Holy City once was a commune to as many as 300 of Riker’s devotees. They believed strongly in white supremacy, were entirely celibate, and did not drink. However, much controversy was ignited when Riker broke his own rule and married, causing a member of the commune, Frieda Schwartz, to sue him. Further, Riker was arrested in 1943 for being a sympathizer of Hitler. The publicity brought quite a bit of attention to Holy City, but after the excitement died down, the city shrunk in size until it was virtually bare of residents. In 1959, not only did Riker lose his land as a result of real estate complications, but a set of fires reduced Holy City to the few structures that now remain, including Riker’s old house, a shed, and a post office. Today, Tom Stanton is the only resident in Holy City aside from his three German Shepherd dogs. He has converted the old post office into an art glass shop where he sells glass pumpkins, among other creations.

2. Chisana, Alaska

   Chisana is a stretch of unincorporated land deep within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Like many Alaskan locations, it is completely uninhabited, but this wasn’t always the case. In 1913, Chisana experienced a major gold rush that brought in about as many as 8,000 people. However, once the mining winded down, the 452 log cabins that were built during the duration of the rush became emptied. Between 2006 and 2010, the census recorded a population of zero in Chisana. It does receive the occasional visitor for recreational purposes, such as hunting. However, with no road access, it is typically more or less empty. A state-owned airstrip provides a landing spot for anyone visiting by private jet, but it isn’t maintained, and may not be in a good condition. It doesn’t get much more desolate than that.

3. Hibbert’s Gore, Maine

   Karen Keller is the only inhabitant of Hibbert’s Gore, Maine, as reported by the census. The unincorporated, 640-acre patch where Keller lives provides a rustic lifestyle. Keller has no electricity and pumps her own water each day for drinking and showering. There are no stores, mailboxes, or street lamps, or any other facet of a regular town. Contrary to popular belief, Keller didn’t embark on her life of solitude in order to become a hermit or more in touch with nature. Rather, she battles with bipolar disorder, but refuses to take medication for her illness. As a result, living among people can be challenging, so she chose to live alone where she can deal with her illness by herself. Keller is now in her sixties, and does well living off the land. She shoots, cleans, and eats her own game and gardens fruits and vegetables. She is native to New York and received a bachelor’s degree in natural resources at the University of Michigan.

4. Moonshine, Illinois

   Roy Lee and Helen Tuttle work in a country store in Moonshine, Illinois that they bought in 1982. It is the only building in town, not counting the outhouses, with Roy and Helen surmounting to the town’s entire population. Roy and Helen are happy to be Moonshine’s only residents, particularly since their country store is famous for its burgers and attracts hundreds of visitors from all over the country. They keep a guestbook documenting various people who have tried Helen’s “double Moonburger,” among other eats. Helen stops serving hot sandwiches at 12:30 sharp each day, but continues to serve cold cuts for stragglers. Move into this town, and you may outshine the two residents who run the only existing business.

5. Buford, Wyoming

   Buford, Wyoming, with a population of one, finally surrendered ownership earlier this month when the actual town was auctioned off for $900,000. Included in the auction were the town’s postal boxes, a cellular tower with lease, five buildings, and around 10 acres of land. Don Sammons, the sole resident of Buford, guided the auction, and has lived in the town since 1980. He lived with his son until about seven years ago. Once his son moved away, Sammons had Buford to himself. Buford’s population was at its peak in the mid 1800s during construction of the Continental Railroad, but shortly after it was built, the workers moved on to different cities. The town was bought by a Vietnamese man excited about his potential to experience the American dream.

6. Singapore, Michigan

   Singapore, Michigan was first inhabited about 175 years ago by Ottawa Indians. The lumber supply was its best natural resource, and once this supply was gone, Singapore was reduced to a ghost town. This happened in the 19th century shortly after it was struck by the four great fires of 1871. Likewise, a 40-day blizzard in 1842 would have all but wiped out the population had it not been for a nearby shipwreck with available food supplies to help tide the residents over. The town is now completely abandoned with no residents, leaving behind buildings covered by shifting sand dunes. Its only legacy remains in the bank notes that you can still sometimes find remaining from Singapore’s bank note scandal in 1838. If you’re looking for a place to live with some dune-covered, age-old structures but literally no inhabitants, Singapore, Michigan should fit the bill.

7. Monowi, Nebraska

   Monowi, Nebraska has but one resident. Founded in 1902, Minowi is the nation’s only incorporated place with a population of one. It stands about five miles off the South Dakota border, and was a boom town at the start of the 20th century due to railroad traffic and its cattle-loading plant. In the length of that century, two fires burned down the town, young people moved away for lack of decent jobs, and in 1980, the population had been reduced to 18. By 2000, only two residents were left standing, Rudy Eilers and his wife Elsie. They owned a local tavern, Rudy served as honorary Mayor, and Elsie as treasurer. Sadly, Rudy died of cancer in 2004, leaving only Elsie to hold up the fort. Elsie works a variety of jobs, though, keeping the tavern in operation, running the local 5,000-book library supplied by Rudy’s personal collection, and works as mayor, a position in which she pays taxes to herself.

8. Supai, Arizona

   If you’re looking for a slightly larger population, but still would prefer to be away from it all, Supai, Arizona is the place to be. With fewer than 500 occupants, Supai has no roads in or out, virtually eliminating the occurrence of any visitors. Likewise, it’s located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so even if a brave soul trekked out in search of it, it would be rather difficult to access by foot. In fact, in order to do so, one would have to hike through the dessert for eight miles in the blazing sun. In a sort of antiquated necessity, Supai still receives its post by way of mule, and horses are the main mode of transportation. Even the U.S. Census had trouble contacting Supai, and accidentally recorded its population as zero in the year 2000.

If you plan on living in one house for an extended length of time, it might be worth your while to try to appease your neighbors. By keeping things amicable between the neighbors, you prove yourself to be a contributing member of the community. Nurturing a relationship between you and your neighbor could be helpful down the road when you need a favor, like someone to keep an eye on the house when you’re out of town or someone to borrow an egg from when you’re stumped on a recipe. However, if you repeatedly offend your neighbors, negativity will build up between the households. Eventually, this could lead to some major confrontations, which can be stressful.

1. Bad Parking

   If you have a driveway or garage, this is an appropriate place to park your vehicle. Do not park in the street when personal parking is available. It should be a common courtesy. If a driveway is not an option, you should always park in front of your own home if at all possible, as parking in front of a neighbor’s home merely robs them of their own parking spot. Neighbors will begrudge you for inconsiderate parking habits, especially if you move your trash bins in front of the house to lessen the parking availability in a neighborhood that depends on street parking. And always park correctly; just because the curb of a cul-de-sac is rounded doesn’t entitle you to utilize it as a parking lot.

2. Pet Cleanup

   If you’re looking for a quick way to completely infuriate your neighbors, let your dog poop in their lawn and don’t bother to pick it up. Cleaning up after your pet is important. They can’t do it themselves and leaving dog waste on the lawn is bad for the environment. You may think that dog poop will ultimately serve as a fertilizer for a lawn, but in truth, it is full of bacteria like human waste and is the equivalent of pouring sewage on a lawn. In fact, dog waste causes 20 to 30% of pollution in run-off streams, deteriorating the quality of drinking water. The responsibility of picking up after your dog is yours and yours alone. Plus, your neighbor isn’t anticipating a lawn full of dog poop, so when they step outside barefoot in the morning to bring in the paper and accidentally step in your dog’s excrement, you’ll probably hear from them sooner or later.

3. Unattended Children

   When parents get irritated with their children, they often instruct them to go play outside. Little do they realize, this only subjects their neighbors to their annoying children. Outside, children play in the streets where they could potentially get hit by a car. They leave toys all over the lawn. Even if your neighbors have children and you reason that your children can simply play together, they may not be comfortable with letting their children play unsupervised, and you’re essentially doubling their load as a parent by letting your kids run free with theirs. Kids are brazen enough to engage strangers in conversation, which is potentially dangerous if not extremely obnoxious to childless adults in the neighborhood. Wrangle up your kids to avoid conflict with unhappy neighbors.

4. Throwing Parties

   If you drive home from work to find a line of cars parked down the entire street, consider it a warning that one of your neighbors is throwing a party. And we’re not referring to the kind of party thrown by sensible adults with catering, wine, and designated drivers. If you live in a college town (or still attend college), you might be able to get away with it, but throwing rowdy parties in a neighborhood where grown adults have to get up and go to work the following morning is generally frowned upon. Loud music, drunken banter, and a lawn full of solo cups at two in the morning can be frustrating to neighbors who are respectful to you and your need for sleep at regular slumbering hours. No matter how much you enjoy loud music at your party, it just sounds like a headache-inducing bass to surrounding neighbors lying wide awake in bed. When your intoxicated guests drive home, they are privy to swerving into the lawns of neighbors, promptly killing the grass where the tires make contact.

5. Lazy Landscaping

   If you live in a suburban neighborhood with well-tended lawns, you will likely be the subject of disdain if you let your grass go wild, refuse to yank up weeds, and let your plants shrivel up and die. There may be little they can do about it, but your neighbors will harbor some hostility if your home reflects poorly on the rest of the neighborhood. Try to contribute positively to the neighborhood; doing so will make it a place that people will want to live. There are few things worse than a neighbor that lets his lawn become littered with trash and refuses to do any upkeep on the vegetation that exists there. With enough neglect, grass will yellow and die. Soil can become inhospitable, which lowers your home’s resale value. Take time to keep your home looking decent.

6. A Dusty Car

   If you have a vehicle just sitting in your driveway or street that hasn’t moved an inch in years, it’s time to get rid of it. There’s no reason to prolongedly keep such a fixture on your property and it detracts from the overall presence of the neighborhood to have your dusty, beat up Honda decaying on your driveway. Worse, keeping an oversize Winnebago parked in front of your house will cause quite a bit of tension among your neighbors. When people work hard to keep their house and lawn in order only to have their view blocked by a bulky motor home, things can get nasty. Keep the recreation vehicle in storage when you’re not readily using it, as well as boats and other large, unsightly modes of transportation.

7. Extreme Holiday Decor

   While they make great viral internet videos, who wants to live across from the people who put together Christmas light shows? These people literally spend thousands of dollars on Christmas lights, timed to music for passerby’s to enjoy. Not only are they usually insanely bright and a bit of a fire hazard, but they attract swarms of visitors into your neighborhood in hopes of viewing the spectacle. Many of them will require speakers in the yard to play the corresponding tune. Even if they keep this at a decent volume — and it likely has to be loud enough to hear from a car with the windows rolled down — it will certainly become irritating to hear Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy 50 times a day. Likewise, neighbors who insist on putting up an eight-foot-tall inflatable Santa in their yard should be chastised by the local homeowner’s association for their tackiness.

8. Public Fighting

   Depending on the proximity of the neighbors, you should always be aware of how many people can hear you when you’re fighting with your significant other. This highly personal conversation should not be conducted on a front porch or kitchen with a window open. If people walking along the sidewalk can hear angry sounds coming from your home, you should decrease the volume of your bickering. Fighting is intimate, and it makes others uncomfortable to witness it. Likewise, do it enough and you’ll receive the unflattering descriptor of “those neighbors who loudly fight all the time.”

Spring is here, but you may have mixed feelings about it. While the weather is delightful and your garden is blooming, your allergies might render you a sneezing, red, drippy mess. Your only solace rests in antihistamines and you keep a box of tissues on you at all times. However, your suffering might not be as inevitable as you think. Allergies are most obviously present as a result of the build-up of pollen outside, but some products that you use inside your home on a regular basis could be making your allergies much worse or prolonging them far past the allergy season. Using these products on a limited basis or swapping them out for more allergy-friendly products could be the difference between enjoying the months between March and May and living with a persistent, mucous-filled throat.

1. Aerosol Spray Cleaners

   You might think that your aerosol spray cleaners are helping you eradicate the dust that has been building up, creating indoor allergies. Yet, in reality, aerosol spray cleaners can worsen your allergies tenfold. So while you may be eliminating one allergen, you’re inviting another potentially far more aggravating allergen into your home. When used on a weekly basis, which is about the amount of time it takes for dust to accumulate in the home, cleaning sprays worsen allergies and may cause asthma attacks. Without a pre-existing asthma condition, you may develop the need for asthma medication as a result of cleaning sprays. These aerosol cans also cause wheezing. Over time, the risks could be greater, so to help alleviate the problem whilst keeping a clean house, dusting should be done with the use of a dust cloth, with a cleaning aid dispensed, without the use of aerosol, and with minimal odor to it. Your home will sparkle and your allergies will be kept at bay.

2. Air Fresheners

   According to a study administered by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in Boston, air fresheners are trigger products for allergies. They aggravate existing allergy symptoms and worsen asthma. While you may turn to a Glade plug-in for help keeping your home smelling fresh, it may not be worth the sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. An estimated 20% of the populous and 34% of those with asthma have reported the jeopardizing effects of air fresheners toward their allergies and general health. Air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, which trigger allergy symptoms or asthma. In air fresheners, the VOCs might be formaldehyde and petroleum distillates, for example. At a higher concentration, these VOCs can have much more serious effects such as respiratory tract irritation and headaches. Your memory retention may even be compromised. Your supposedly harmless air freshener can contain up to 20 different VOCs.

3. Packaging Around Electronics

   Volatile organic compounds are not just present in air fresheners, unfortunately. They also come in office supplies that we use regularly, such as our computers, fax machines, and phones. VOCs “off-gas” from these products, meaning they evaporate into the air. In the case of air fresheners, this off-gassing is instantaneous when you dispense the spray. However, in computers and other electronics, the VOCs off-gas in more of a slow leak. So your allergies may worsen over time simply because of the new television you got. When you first purchase electronics that emit VOCs, opening them in a well-ventilated area or outside is preferable, as the packaging around them contains higher concentrations of VOCs. You may also let them sit in a garage or other outdoor area for a few days before bringing them inside the house to let some of the fumes disperse.

4. Extended-wear Contact Lenses

   Extended-wear contact lenses can make allergies worse because pollen, dust, and mold spores can cling to the lenses. Leaving contact lenses in for a while may seem convenient, but it also gives your eyes more time to collect foreign particles, and you may not even realize the contacts are the culprit. To prevent this from happening, you can switch to single-use lenses that must be swapped out daily or hard lenses that the allergens tend not to stick to. If your lenses are still irritating your eyes, investing in some good eye drops is helpful. Veramyst and Nasonex are medications that alleviate eye allergies by reducing inflammation of the circuitry between your eyes and your nose.

5. Cosmetics

   While they may not directly cause seasonal allergies, developing allergies to cosmetics is common, and it will simply aggravate any existing seasonal allergies that you might already have. Allergic reactions to your cosmetics can develop suddenly out of nowhere, and sometimes disappear spontaneously after several breakouts. If, after applying makeup, you notice the skin around your eyes becoming puffy and swollen or your eyes itching, you may have developed such a sensitivity. As all cosmetics contain the same general ingredients — waxes, oils, detergents, dyes, perfumes, lanolin, and preservatives — the sensitive, thin skin around your eyes may detect them as a foreign substance and have an allergic reaction to the product. You may have been building up an aversion to the product for some time, your reaction worsening after each use. To prevent any further issues, discontinue using the product causing the reaction or switch to hypoallergenic makeup.

6. Hair Dyes

   ParaPhenyleneDiamine and peroxide are chemicals found in hair dyes. While only 5% of the population develops allergies to these combined chemicals leading to serious reactions, the chemicals in hair dye will aggravate anyone’s allergies. If you’ve ever mixed hair dye, you’re all too familiar with the scent, which is strong and cough-inducing. Always mix hair dye in a well-ventilated area and possibly wear a mask over your mouth to prevent inhaling toxic fumes. For those who do suffer from a serious allergic reaction to hair dye, dermatitis is the most common symptom, followed by urticaria, which causes blood plasma to leak into the skin. Anaphylactic shock can even occur, followed by death. To ensure that you’re not one of these rare cases, always administer a “patch test” before dying your hair. This can be done by dabbing a small amount of the dye mixture behind your ear where the skin is sensitive and waiting 48-72 hours to examine the results. If your skin becomes overly irritated, do not use the product on the rest of your scalp.

7. Bath Mats

   If you step out of the shower every day and drip dry onto a bath mat, it could be harvesting a great deal of allergy-inducing mold and dust mites. Bath mats, when used repeatedly, can trap moisture in the fibers and never fully dry out. Given that most of them have rubber backing, people forget that they need to be cleaned just as often as regular laundry. Likewise, if you shower with the bathroom door closed, the humidity caused by the steam will add to the moisture in the bath mat. Washing a bath mat once a week in hot water, followed by hanging it to dry, could make a world of difference for your allergies. Likewise, if you dry out the bath mat after use by hanging it in a dry place, it will not collect as much moisture and mold.

Few things are more devastating than losing your home in a fire. Aside from property damage and potential fatalities as a result of the disaster, they can destroy the notion that you are safe in your own home. Smoke detectors have aided greatly in alerting people to fires before they become too serious. However, time and time again, fires are caused by the same household items and activities. By garnering an understanding of the most common causes of residential fires, precautions can be taken to alleviate the risks and save your home from catastrophe.

1. Cooking

   Cooking is the leading cause of house fires, accounting for 42% of all reported residential fires. Most of these fires start when food or cooking materials go up in flames, and generally the fires start when people have left food to cook without supervision. The biggest culprits for fire-starting in the kitchen are cooking ranges and any situation that involves frying food. This makes Thanksgiving and other major holidays a common time for setting kitchens ablaze.

2. Christmas trees

   On its own, a Christmas tree may not do significant damage. However, as it dries out, it becomes an excellent host for ignition and can quickly spread to an uncontrollable blaze. When a Christmas tree is the cause of the fire, the damage is considerably worse than fires caused by other fire-starting culprits, with more property damage, injury, and even death. The drier the tree, the more susceptible it is to causing a fire, and cranking up the heat in your home during the chilly weather will only dry the tree out more. That, coupled with the mere shorting out of the string of lights wrapped around the tree, can cause a deadly fire that will quickly consume your home. To help avoid catastrophe, keep the tree moist by watering it regularly or invest in a fake tree. You should also always unplug Christmas tree lights at night while asleep.

3. Smoking

   Residential fires caused by smokers account for nearly 1,000 fatalities per year. Sadly, one out of every four of those fatalities is not the smoker, but a family member (such as the smoker’s child), friend, or neighbor. Never fall asleep with a lit cigarette in hand. In the seconds it could have taken to mash out the cigarette, a humongous fire can start when a cigarette is accidentally dropped onto furniture or hot ashes. Home fires caused by cigarettes can be reduced dramatically if the smoker only smokes outside and makes sure his or her cigarette butts are completely out before being discarded.

4. Candles

   According to the National Candle Association, candles cause an estimated 18,000 house fires annually in the United States. Most of these fires can be attributed to negligence in proper candle usage. Candles are more widely used than they used to be, as they may be scented to make your home smell nice, used to set the mood, or used in celebratory occasions. The highest percentage of candle fires are started when a candle is left unattended; however, candle fires may also start when flammable materials are left too close to the flame or children play with them. By trimming the wick, you can help keep a candle flame at an appropriate size. You may also purchase battery-operated candles, which are considerably safer, but provide the same ambience as a regular candle that can be dangerous.

5. Appliances

   Home appliances cause about 150,000 fires per year. Additionally, 280 Americans perish in electrical fires per year. Many of these fires are caused by bad electrical wiring and overused outlets. Some people leave certain appliances plugged in at all times, such as toaster ovens or refrigerators. Frayed wiring can easily cause a fire. People may also leave on curling irons or hair straighteners by accident, which could cause a fire. Most disturbing, reports have shown that a great deal of these cases were caused by faulty appliances, not human error.

6. Heating

   Heating equipment is the leading cause for house fires during the winter time and the second most prevalent cause for fires year-round. Space heaters and wood stoves may be helpful in cutting down costs of your heating bill, but it’s these stand-alone heaters that can be a liability. Creosote, a flammable tar byproduct of wood smoke, builds up in chimneys or wood stoves when they are not regularly cleaned, creating a fire risk. People often misgauge the amount of physical space needed for a space heater; if it is crowded, it may ignite any nearby flammable materials. Likewise, many fires result from the incorrect installation of heater components. Central heating also occasionally starts home fires, but the incidents are much less frequent.

7. Children playing with fire

   Many house fires are prompted by children playing with matches, lighters, and candles, and cause hundreds of deaths and injuries annually. Between 2005 and 2009, 56,300 fires were reported to United States fire departments with children handling them as the cause. Forty-six percent of the children were under five years old. To help prevent fires started by small children, keep all matches and lighters stored in a place children can’t get to, such as an out-of-reach shelf in a cabinet. Children should also be educated on the importance of fire safety.

Homeowners needing to find cash or to consolidate can often raise money against the value of their home. While many will consider remortgaging to release equity, there is also the option of home equity loans, which offer low rates to homeowners as well as other benefits such as tax breaks. Homeowners looking to refinance should consider all the options including any of the low rate home equity loans available.

Below are beneficial resources providing a variety of useful information.

1. Requirements for FHA loans How can homebuyers secure a government FHA loan offering a better chance at securing finance than conventional mortgage loans? A look at what is needed to qualify.
2. All About Home Equity Loans Information for consumers looking for a home equity loan. Covering rates and requirements.
3. Home Equity Loan Overview A look at loans, lenders, loan rates and more. With links to further resources for homeowners.
4. Home Equity Loan or Conventional Mortgage? A look at which option is better suited to homeowners needs. Advantages and disadvantages of each of the options.
5. Home Equity Loan Information A look at loans, lenders, rates and requirements. Reasons for choosing a home equity loan.
6. Help With Home Equity A resource for those seeking information on home equity loans. Why choose home equity? What can borrowers expect?
7. Home Equity Loan Rates Explained A look at fixed and flexible rates as well as comparing Home Equity Loan rates and HELOC rates. Together with general information on Home Equity Loans and the lending process.
8. Home Equity Loans in Canada A look at the home equity options. Comparing rates and requirements with loans from different lenders.
9. Compare Home Equity Loan Rates Looking at rates on offer from different Canadian lenders. Looking at available home equity loans and home equity lines of credit.
10. All About Home Equity Credit A look at the options for homeowners needing to secure credits for any reason using their home as collateral. Explains fixed and flexible rate choices.
11. Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit Experts explain the ins and outs of home equity loans and HELOCs. Common consumer questions answered.
12. What Can Bad Credit Borrowers Expect From a Home Equity Loan? Looking at typical rates and requirements. Options for homeowners with a low credit score.
13. Understanding Home Equity Loans A comprehensive guide to loans lenders, rates and loan requirements.  Essential information for consumers looking to borrow against their home.
14. About HELOC options Looking at the basics of home equity lines of credit. An explanation from the experts for homeowners looking to free up equity.
15. Finding the Right Home Equity Loan A look at the process of getting the best loan at the best rate to suit the borrowers needs. A step by step guide to securing a good home equity loan.
16. Home Equity or HELOC? A look at which will offer the best rate for refinancing. With links to further resources for those seeking home equity credit.
17. Do Home Equity Loan Rates Make them a Good Option for Paying of Credit Cards? A look at whether good rates on home equity loans are the answer to personal credit problems.
18. New Jersey Home Equity Loan Rates Comparing loan rates for home equity loans in New Jersey. Looking at what is on offer from different lenders. Loan rates depend on circumstances.
19. Should Consumers Be Tempted by the Best Home Equity Loan Rates? Advice on whether rates on offer are enough incentive to put a home at risk. Alternative viewpoint on securing credit.
20. Home Equity Loan Rates in Canada A look at what Canadian lenders offer homeowners. Explains how home equity rates can make this type of loan great for consolidation purposes.
21. Home Equity Loan Tips Help for consumers to secure the best rates of credit against their homes. Helpful hints for homeowners.
22. UK Home Equity Loans A look at available packages for homeowners. What sort of rates an repayment packages are on offer?
23. A Look at Home Equity Loan Rates Analysis of Available loan rates for homeowners. How to calculate home equity loan rates.
24. Home Equity Examined A look at this type of homeowner credit. What rats can consumers expect? What is required?
25. Home Equity Loan Rates in Maine A look at credit rates on offer for Maine Homeowners looking to release equity for any reason. Comparing different deals.
26. Find Great Rate Home Equity Loans Online A resource for homeowners seeking to refinance. Help in locating the best rate home equity loans.
27. Find a Low Rate Home Equity Loan Help for homeowners seeking to secure low rate loans on their homes. Guidance to secure the best refinance deals.
28. Home Equity Rates Across America Breakdown of available refinance rates for homeowners. Easy to use site for a great overview of available rates.
29. How Much Home Equity? A look at lending rates and repayments for homeowners looking to refinance in Texas. Helpful guise with links to further information.
30. Getting the Most From Home Equity Loans Guidance for homeowners on how to get the best rates for home equity borrowing and ensure their home is safe with a loan secured against it.
31. Home Equity Helpers Experts explain all the issue surrounding home equity from rates to repayments. Looking at both Home Equity Loans and HELOCs
32. Compare Home Equity Loan Rates One service helping homeowners find the best home equity loan or HELOC for their needs. Brokers help find best rate loans for homeowners.
33. Important Equity Information Areas to be considered before opting for equity at any rate
34. Looking at 100% Home Equity Loans An exploration of lenders and loan rates for 100% home equity loans. Important information for consumers considering this line of credit.
35. How are HELOC interest Rates Calculated? An explanation from the experts. Indicates why Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are not suitable for everyone.
36. Tax Breaks and Great Rates Some perks of home equity loans. Also features information on the possible disadvantages of this financing option
37. Low Rate Home Equity Loans for Consolidation? A look at the option of refinancing to clear other debts in the UK. Advice and help for homeowners.
38. Best Home Equity Rates in British Colombia Mortgage adviser look out some of the best home equity loans on offer to BC homeowners.
39. Are Home Equity Rates Better than Auto Loans? Looking at the best way to finance vehicle purchase. Sometime the obvious option is not the answer.
40. Home Equity Basics A look at this type of loan from down payments to repayments and rates to ratios.
41. Compare Secured Loan Rates A look at home secured loan rates in the UK such as home equity loans. Comparing available homeowner loan deals.
42. Do HELOC Rates Beat Conventional Loans? A comparison of finance options for homeowners. Which is the best option and offer the best rates?
43. Finding the Best Home Equity Options A look at loan providers offering the best rates for homeowners willing to put their property up as collateral. Advice from the experts.
44. Comprehensive Guide to Home Equity Loan Borrowing An in depth look at available rates, terms, and the different lenders out there. Essential reading for cash-strapped consumer.
45. Fixed Rate Home Equity Explained One homeowner finance option explored by debt experts. Includes evaluation of the risks of refinancing.
46. Exploring Home Equity Options A look at this type of lending, including an analysis of rates and good reasons for refinancing.
47. Low Rate Home Equity Loans Explained A look at this low rate finance option who it suits and how to find it.
48. Texas Home Equity Loans How to secure a low rate homeowner loan in the State of Texas. A guide for consumers.
49. Why Choose Home Equity Refinance? A look at this homeowner credit option. Evaluating popular low rate loan solutions.
50. Find Great Rate Home Equity Options A comparison tool for consumers seeking home secured credit loans. Information on the application process.

Image Credits: pnwra

One way to increase the equity in your home is by doing improvements. You can add rooms, update fixtures and floors or add decks to the backyard. This can help increase the value of your home when you are trying to sale your home. Keeping your home updated will also help to increase equity. Many people also use the equity in their homes to pay off other high interest rate debts such as car loans or credit cards. Learn how by doing simple improvements your homes value can rise. Read through these articles to see what types of improvements you can do.

1. Choosing the Right Contractor: When doing big jobs to your home, knowing what contractor to hire is very important. Read here tips on how to hire the right contractor to do the job.
2. 5 Ways to Green Your Garage: Here are a few improvements you can make to your garage to make it more eco friendly.
3. Home Improvements and HOA’s: Learn whether most HOA’s will discourage or deny you being able to do improvements on your home.
4. Unsecured Home Improvement Loans: Doing some of these improvements can be expensive. Learn about a few options to pay for those jobs.
5. Refinance Your Home to Pay for Home Improvements: Some people choose to refinance their home to get cash out to pay for home improvements.
6. Ideas for Home Improvements: Find help choosing what projects to do and how to do them. Get helpful advice on improving your home and boosting your equity.
7. Inexpensive Ways to Increase Value: Try these cheaper ways to increase your homes value.
8. Remodeling and Home Improvement: Get the tips you need to remodel your home. Find help on many different projects.
9. Build Home Equity: Learn ideas to do to the outside of your home to build equity.
10. Think Before Improving: Many people tap into their home’s equity before doing improvements. This article is encouraging people to think before doing that.
11. Ideas on a Budget: Find a few suggestions here on improvements you can do even on a tight budget.
12. Articles, Tips and More: Get great advice and tips here when you are doing home projects. Learn which ones you can do and which you might want to hire a contractor for.
13. Home Ideas: Find all sorts of ideas on do it yourself jobs. Look at decorating tips as well as home improvement ideas.
14. Our Story: One blogger shares their story of what they did to improve the equity in their home.
15. Remodeling Ideas: Check out these ideas on improving your home and the equity that is in your home. Some even use their homes equity to make improvements.
16. Using Equity to Pay Off Debt: Read how many people choose to use the equity in their homes to pay off other debt. Find out if this is really a smart idea.
17. Home Improvements Build Equity: Find out how improving your home can build equity in your home. Make your home more valuable by adding small things here and there to improve it.
18. Not All Improvements Build Equity: Learn which improvements look great but do not really build any equity in your home.
19. Home Additions: Get some great ideas on adding rooms or walls to your home and how you can increase your value of your home.
20. Three Ways to Build Equity: Find out what three ways you can use to build your equity in your home.
21. Building Home Equity: Read this informative article on how to build your home equity by doing things like improvements.
22. Home Improvment Ideas and Tips: Read several tips and ideas for projects to do on your home. Also learn where you can get free estimates for projects.
23. What Ways Can I Build Equity?: An article to help you understand what ways you can build equity in your home. When trying to increase your homes value, try these home improvement projects.
24. Deciding Which to Make: In the down market get help deciding which home improvements should you do.
25. Mortgage Minute: Building Equity: Learn how to build equity in your home from the mortgage experts.
26. Financing Your Home Improvements: Discover some ways you can finance your improvements when upgrading your home.
27. Beware Home Equity Loans: Read why you should think twice about getting a home equity loan.
28. Sweat Equity: Here are tips on putting improvements in your home. Learn what improvements to do to make your equity grow.
29. Home Tips: If you are looking at doing home projects, try this website. You can find all sorts of tips on how to improve your home and raise your equity.
30. DIY Lawn Sprinkler: Get tips on how to install your own lawn sprinkler system to keep your lawn looking great all year.
31. How to Help: Find all the help you need to do your own improvements.
32. Home Improvement Videos: Watch these helpful videos on how to do home improvements. Also get tips on that project you are working on.
33. Tips You can Use: Use these tips or just browse for ideas on improving your home.
34. Find a Pro in Your Area: At this site you can get help finding a pro to do those jobs you are not comfortable doing yourself. Use this site to help you pick a trusted professional.
35. Self Help: If you want to do the improvement jobs yourself, stop here first to get all the help you need. Learn tips on projects and other information to help.
36. Getting Estimates: Learn about getting estimates on jobs before committing to a contractor.
37. Design Your Home: Get ideas on designing your home and small improvements you can make when trying to make your home your dream.
38. Preparing Your Lawn for Winter: Learn how you can improve your yard and keep it ready for winter cold.
39. Keep the Water Out: Read here to find out how to prepare your home for the winter and keeping water out of your home. Tiny preparations can help keep you from spending big money later.
40. Home Construction Improvement: Wonderful tips on everything to do with improving your home. You will find everything from taking care of your lawn to getting rid of lead paint.
41. 21 Environmentally Friendly Improvements: Check out these eco friendly improvements you can do to your house to not only raise the value but help the environment.
42. Tips and Trick: Use this great article to improve your home. Learn all the tips and tricks of doing improvements to make your home better and your equity grow.
43. Tips for Saving Money and Energy: While improvements also help your equity grow, they also help to save money and energy costs.
44. Home Improvement Help: Get help when you are looking at what items to buy to update your home. This blog will show you different options like lighting and more to help you in your projects.
45. Small Steps: Try doing small things first like simply redecorating before jumping into huge home improvement jobs.
46. Home Improvement Ideas: Find ideas on decorating and projects you can do at home. These will help your home’s value increase.
47. Kitchen Design Ideas: Remodel your kitchen like one of these or just use these to add to your ideas you have already.
48. Ideas on a Budget: Take a look at some of these ideas you can do to improve your home on a budget. You do not have to spend a fortune to make small changes.
49. Cheap Decorating Ideas: Get some ideas here on how to redecorate without spending a lot.
50. How to Finance Improvements: Learn here how you can finance your home improvements if you don’t have the money up front.
51. Keep Your Budget in Check: Tips on how to make sure you do not go over your budget when doing your home improvements.
52. Simple Additions: Use this site to learn about simple additions you can do to your home. You will find tips on home improvements and more as you browse here.
53. Rafter Tales: Find information on improving your home from new windows to adding rooms on.

Image Credits: karindalziel