Author Profile: Alicia Howe

Biography »

Holding a Journalism degree from Bradley University, Alicia Howe uses her strong research skills and passion for informative articles to produce up-to-date, fresh posts for the Buy Owner Blog. From community events to Home Decorating, she provides valuable insight for home owners. Alicia is a part-time member of Buy Owner’s writing department and contributes as much as her time here allows!
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Publications »

Thanksgiving Decorating Tips
By Alicia
Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas on 6 November 2009
Stats: 63 views and No Comments

pumpkinFALL Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and there is nothing wrong with using fall decorations to add warmth to your layout! [...]

Going Green Might Help Sell Your Home
By Alicia
Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas on 5 November 2009
Stats: 88 views and No Comments

greenpeopleplanet Not only does living green provide a healthier lifestyle and lower electricity and utility bills, but it can help sell your home! [...]

Best Investment Right Now
By Alicia
Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas on 3 November 2009
Stats: 86 views and No Comments

moneyhouse The housing crisis is finally showing slow signs of improvement. Commercial and retail properties have suffered in all areas of the country, but according to an article from Realty Times, apartment rentals have remained the strongest sector.

Of all building rentals, multi-family apartment units have held up the best. Buildings have stayed full, and rent has remained stable or even increased. Particular cities with the lowest vacancy rates, around 5 percent, include Pittsburgh, San Diego, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Jose and Albuquerque. Areas where vacancy rates are higher, reaching up to 12 percent, include Tucson and Phoenix.
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Natural Pest Control
By Alicia
Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas on 30 October 2009
Stats: 141 views and 1 Comment

green living

This year, instead of purchasing another pesticide, try these natural pest control tips. [...]

Home Builders’ Confidence Falls
By Alicia
Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas on 29 October 2009
Stats: 153 views and No Comments

construction With builder sentiment dipping lower, newer homes may be harder to come by. What does this mean for you? [...]

How to Build a Fire Pit
By Alicia
Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas on 23 October 2009
Stats: 151 views and No Comments

firepit

By adding a fire pit to your backyard, you won’t only get to enjoy more time outdoors while keeping warm, but you will also add an impressive feature to your home when it’s time to sell! [...]

Bokashi Composting
By Alicia
Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas on 22 October 2009
Stats: 169 views and No Comments

Think-Green

A new type of composting is available for you: Bokashi composting. [...]

Fall Events: Tampa
By Alicia
Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas on 20 October 2009
Stats: 159 views and No Comments

tampa If you’re not spending the day at Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens or one of the other numerous year-round attractions found in the Tampa area, head to one of these unique festivals, sporting events or concerts! Whether you want to test your luck at animation, learn more about Ybor City’s history with cigars, taste new seafood favorites or celebrate Halloween with a worldwide crowd, you’re in luck!

Sports

National league and college teams are geared up to entertain and hopefully awe their fans this fall season, which marks the start to months of football and hockey in the Tampa area. Purchase tickets in advance for the best chance at seeing live action!
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Keeping Up with Curb Appeal
By Alicia
Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas on 19 October 2009
Stats: 195 views and No Comments

curb-appeal

With seasonal changes comes seasonal upkeep. Each season presents new chores to keep up with, especially outside. When your house is for sale, it’s vital that you keep up with the curb appeal of your home. When potential buyers see the Buy Owner sign in the front yard, all they have to go off of is the external appearance. When potential buyers visit for an open house, the external appearance is what they judge first. In your ads, the first picture potential buyers will view is usually of the front exterior.

• In order to keep up with the curb appeal as much as possible, consider the natural elements. Fall means raking up leaves and trimming bushes. Winter means shoveling the snow off the driveway and the walkway. Spring means cleaning out the gutters, planting flowers and fixing paint chips. Summer means planting more flowers and mowing the lawn.

• Every couple weeks, stand in front of your house and just look at it. It’s often hard to judge your own home, so consider asking a neighbor or friend for advice too. By stepping away from the home and looking at it from the view of potential buyers, you’re more likely to notice little nicks, cracks or stains that you would otherwise pass right over.

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5 Quick Kitchen Upgrades
By Alicia
Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas on 9 October 2009
Stats: 219 views and No Comments

NEW Kitchen Appliances Here are some quick upgrading tips that will allow your outdated kitchen to show off some modern flare. [...]