Home and Garden
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Freeze-thaw cycle can heave plantsMar 25, 2018 6:00 am - Check garden beds to be sure plants have not heaved out of the ground due to freeze-thaw-freeze cycles typical at this time of year. Gently press the crowns of perennial...
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Walk through garden to discover damageMar 25, 2018 6:00 am - Q. The worst of winter is over. How do I protect my plants from the extremes of warm and cold weather that we are sure to have? A. Yes, we have seen some “real” winter t...
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Time for these five decorating trends from 2017 to be replacedMar 25, 2018 6:00 am - In the world of home design, there's no dirtier word than passe. It's a term that signifies something is past its prime and destined for the dustbin of decor history (or...
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Love that home's view? See how much more you'll payMar 25, 2018 1:00 am - A house with a fabulous view can be hard for a homebuyer to resist. But seeing the mountains, water or city lights from the comfort of home comes at a price. The hazy pa...
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Closing customs vary greatly around the U.S.Mar 24, 2018 6:00 am - Q. My friends are buying a property in a different state. Both parties are finally ready for closing. It is scheduled for next week, the day after final walk-through. T...
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Rate locks sometimes unlock: here are some tips on protecting yourselfMar 24, 2018 6:00 am - A rate lock is a commitment by a mortgage lender to lend a stated amount to a specified borrower posting a specified property as collateral, at a stipulated interest rat...
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Don't be afraid to shop around for a better mortgage dealMar 23, 2018 7:00 am - WASHINGTON — It's one of the weirder documented facts about homebuying in America: Surprising numbers of people don't bother to shop for mortgage money, even though they...
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Homeowner disagrees with roofing contractorMar 23, 2018 6:00 am - Q. I am about to have my roof replaced and am questioning the method suggested by my roofing contractor. The old wooden shingles are to be removed, and asphalt compositi...
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Inventory homes are available for quick movesMar 23, 2018 6:00 am - You just sold your starter house where you've lived for three years. Although you want to purchase a new home in a nearby community, you need to move before your kids st...
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McHenry County Gardenfest to feature landscape designer Mark DwyerMar 22, 2018 11:00 pm - Learn how your garden can appeal to all five senses - sight, smell, sound, taste and touch - with a one-hour lecture on "The Sensory Garden," by horticulturalist Mark Dw...