Matthew Heimer, senior editor of SmartMoneymagazine, explains that energy proofing a house can actually cut annual utility bills in half. Matthew covers breaking down home energy costs, how to monitor heating and cooling costs, how to reduce heating and cooling costs, how to reduce energy costs when using larger appliances, how landscaping can actually reduce utility bills -- and the best simple tips for saving energy and money every day. First, homeowners need to understand

There are few rites of spring more satisfying than the annual clean. For many people, however, the pleasure comes only after the work is finished. Your spring cleaning may never become effortless, but you can make the project more manageable -- and even enjoyable. This printable checklist offers an overview of everything you need to know -- including information on cleansers, stain removal, fabric care, and storage -- to zip through the process and arrive at a happy end. Aft

The French Quarter is experiencing a glut of residential property for sale There's the two-bedroom condo with "beautiful floors" renting for $2,000 a month. Next door, there's the "perfect in-town home or gated getaway" selling for $400,000. And just a few doors down, there's a "one of a kind French Quarter apartment" renting for $1,950 a month. And that's just on one side of the 1000 block of St. Peter Street in the French Quarter. Across the street, a "luxury two-bedroom" a

No matter what some late night infomercial might lead you to believe, there is no such thing as "free" real estate. Real estate is a commodity and must be paid for. As a real estate investor, one of the most important roles you will play is to put together your deals using a variety of different financing tools. This chapter is going to teach you the ins and outs of various methods you can use to fund your real estate investments. In This Chapter, You'll Learn About: Why You