Four areas where some attention can prevent backyard injury
Backyard play means dealing with the occasional tears that nature — and human additions — can induce. Some homeowners take as many precautions as possible to reduce the odds that bumps and scrapes turn into something more serious. Unfortunately, each year more than 200,000 children go to emergency rooms for playground-related injuries incurred at home and away from home, according to WebMD. Supervising your child at play is a big factor in reducing injury, researchers say, but these four areas can also be addressed: See full story.
Building permits drop to a 10-year low
U.S. builders pulled back on filing for permits to build homes in April, but started construction on more houses than they did in March, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. See Economic Report.
Goals of new solar technology: more attractive, cheaper products
Solar technology has become a darling of renewable energy advocates and venture capitalists, but solar panels have always suffered from a bit of an image problem in some tree-lined communities. Curbside appeal has never been a selling point for solar manufacturers and plenty of homeowners and neighborhood governing groups still see the technology as a bit too new-age, sitting on a rooftop soaking up the sun’s heat. But what if solar panels were invisible or at least bore more of a resemblance to a traditional rooftop than an oversized baking sheet? See The Heat is On.
Broward County should keep its gambling profits Click above link for full story
Housing Market Indicators:
Florida existing home sales:
-28%
Florida existing condo sales:
-32%
Florida existing home median price:
$236,000
Florida existing condo median price:
$208,800
Florida consumer confidence:
86
National existing home sales:
-8.4%
National existing home median price
$217,000
National (Freddie Mac) mortgage rate
6.16%
By Tom Stieghorst Sun-Sentinel.com Posted April 30 2007, 8:05 PM EDT
Fort Lauderdale’s newest hotel opens Tuesday after an eight-year odyssey, finally giving Broward County the luxury beachfront resort that should land it on the map of the nation’s high-spending tourist elite.The $225 million St. Regis Resort & Residences Fort Lauderdale is one of only 13 St. Regis hotels worldwide. It’s 166 guest rooms will be offered at a standard rate of $589 a night most of the year, rising to $800 a night in season. With its marble floors and rooms that come with both butlers and digital assistants, the resort is the first in the county to have a real shot of earning five-star luxury status. Read The Whole Story
McDonalds® Air & Sea ShowSaturday, May 5th & Sunday, May 6th Location: Las Olas Boulevard at A1A / Fort Lauderdale Beach One of the world’s largest spectator events, this two-day extravaganza features top military and civilian performances along four miles of beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach. According to military and city estimates, the show draws millions of people each year. This world-class event is part of the McDonald’s® National Salute to America’s Heroes, and is the kick-off for National Military Appreciation Month observed each May. The National Salute also includes Fleet Week USA presented by McDonald’s, which brings several Navy ships and thousands of sailors to Fort Lauderdale.Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday May 5th and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday May 6th.Best viewing for the McDonalds Air & Sea Show are along Fort Lauderdale beach between Oakland Park and Las Olas Blvd. The Show is under an open sky. Patrons are encouraged to plan accordingly. It is advised that spectators prepare for a day in the sun by wearing sunscreen, as well as a hat and sunglasses. They should also drink an adequate amount of water to avoid dehydration. For convenience, concessions will be available up and down the beach, with food courts located on A1A near Sunrise Boulevard.
Readers respond: Using a buyer agent
Last week’s column on shopping for a buyers agent elicited considerable response from real-estate brokers and agents, especially on the topic of exclusive buyers agents and dual agency. See House Talk.
Listing at $125 million could set U.S. record
A Los Angeles mansion modeled on Versailles and other French palaces has just gone on the market for $125 million, tying it for second place among available U.S. properties. See story from RealEstateJournal.
Housing starts, permits rise 0.8% in March
Boosted by warmer weather, construction of new homes increased 0.8% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.518 million, the highest level this year, the Commerce Department estimated Tuesday. Building permits also increased 0.8% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.544 million. See Economic Report.
How I got fired by my interior designer
I have been fired by an interior designer. See Teardown Diary.