Hot Fall Decorating Trends

According to the Better Homes & Gardens website, BHG.com, the hot decorating color this Fall is a bold orange. From color to updated classics and style for kids, check out the Top 10 Fall Decorating Trends.

Shift in Tax Collection Dates

According to the Detroit Free Press, the House just passed a bill allowing counties to collect a portion of the December property taxes in July for the next three years. Earlier passed by the Senate and called a 'tax shift' rather than a tax increase, it likely will have the biggest effect in 2006 when there may not be enough in escrow accounts to pay the July 2006 taxes.

Lowest Mortgage Rates Since April

Rates for 30-year mortgages dropped to 5.75% last week, the lowest rate since April. This compares to a rate of 6.16% one year ago. It's still a great time to buy that new dream home! For more details, visit the Detroit Free Press.

Northville's Victorian Festival

Celebrate a simpler era with Northville's 16th Annual Victorian Festival held Friday, September 17th through Sunday, September 19th. Downtown Northville is transformed into a Victorian Village with period costumes, horse-carriage rides, storytellers, musicians, and entertainment. To view all the festivities, click here.

Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps @ Northville Victorian Festival 

Victorian Biker 

Victorian Ladies Umbrella Drill Team 

All About Windows

According to Better Homes & Gardens, faulty windows can account for up to a one-third loss of heat in the winter and up to 75% interior heat gain in the summer.

If you're thinking about replacing those old windows in your house, do you know what your choices are?

Replacement windows can be wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, or combination (vinyl-clad = wood on the inside and vinyl on the outside). Click here to brush up on the functions, features, and cost guidelines of new window options.