A growing population necessitated an act of Parliament in 1765 that required new properties have a street name and number to aid in identifying properties, owners, and property lines. However, in Britain, house names are still recorded on the deed.

Learn how your assessor’s office determines the values of residential real estate. Do they look at recent sales? Is it a percentage of the estimated value of your home? 

The first thing is to strike up a friendly chat with various people in the neighborhood. Ask them what people are like around here; whether they’re noisy or quiet. Chances are that if there is a neighbor who lives to send letters of complaint, you’ll get an earful of it. Or, if they have weird tendencies themselves, warning bells may start ringing for you.

The biggest benefit to installing a bidet in your bathroom is cleanliness. Consider the bidet as a mini-shower for after you use the toilet as well as any time in between that you might need freshening up. However, in North America, the bidet has a sordid mystique, probably because the main focus of the fixture is to clean the genital region.

It used to be true that for that "professional" cooking experience gas was the way to go but even the professionals are trading in their gas ranges for induction now. Gas used to be the one and only real option for professionals because of its quick reaction time when you adjust temperature. However, induction units react just as fast as a gas range does.

New home sales were the lowest reported since 1963, settling in at 331,000 in December. Compared to the same time in 2008, when builders sold 482,000 homes, which were the lowest results since 1982.

Floors: If your carpet has seen its day, consider replacing it with hardwood floors. They provide a warm, cozy atmosphere in a home, have a timeless style and are easy to maintain. There are so many varieties and colors beyond the traditional oak floors that you're certain to find something to fit your decorating scheme. For eco-friendly versions, look to bamboo or the non-toxic, oil stained finishes.

Rates have not hit 4.5% as yet, but they are close. You may want to decide whether it's worth waiting a little longer. Also, that 4.5% that they are throwing around, is an estimate. Larger loans above $417,000 will fall under a higher rate structure. It may also be worth your while to pay down your loan if you fall under one of the higher rate categories.

With the coming of a new year, we have the chance to better our lives and turn over a new leaf. Why not start by living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Clip this list of green alternatives and see how many you can apply to your daily life. You may be surprised at just how green you can be with very little effort, and who knows, maybe it will be contagious.

When you're trying to sell your home, keeping the kids' rooms clean can be a chore and a half! With some packing, de-cluttering and plenty of storage options, it can be a lot easier for your kids to keep their rooms clean(er) in preparations for home showing. Add to that some effective bribery and you may make things a little easier for the kids and yourself.