Posts from March 2013

The birds are chirping. The air smells different. It's spring and it's time to get a little dirt under the fingernails.

Whether you are creating a new flower bed or resurrecting an old one, it's time to start planning before you start planting.

First know your zone

West Virginia has several mild climate zones. The planting season varies. Before you plant, know your zone by going online to the West Virginia University extension at www.ext.wvu.edu. This free service has 55 offices throughout the state to help residents.

Knowing your zone is important if you order plants from a catalogue or a gardening magazine. The climate zone maps are tools to assist you if you are selecting a shrub, a tree or a perennial. Your planting must be able to tolerate the extremes of summer and winter temperatures.

The USDA developed a Hardiness Zone Map to provide hobby gardeners w...

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We buy new linens in January because of "white sales." We buy school supplies in the summer because "back to school" sales are great. And we buy cars at the end of the model year because we know dealers are willing to negotiate.

Now, home buyers are looking to the real estate market for a good "deal".

Housing prices are starting a steady climb, indicating confidence in the economy and job market.

Mortgage rates are at near historic lows. Housing at a good value and low mortgage rates set the stage for singles and families who want a good buy and a good investment.

Housing prices are no longer in free fall

Economists state the housing market is on the comeback. In the final months of 2012, prices of home sales started rising at a pace of more than 7 percent. New home sales also jumped.

According to Fiserv (FISV) Case-Shiller, home prices will increase by 3.3 percent over the next five years. Fiserv reports 2012 wa...

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