Top national parks for families

Each year, hundreds of millions of people visit the 397 destinations that comprise the country's National Park System. Summer is the ideal time to explore many of these parks, as the kids are out of school and activities in the parks are in full swing. Here are four national parks that are worth putting on your family's life list.

Yellowstone National Park

Spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park tops the list. Yellowstone was the first national park, created on March 1, 1872, in an act signed by then President Ulysses S. Grant, and it is the eighth-largest national park in the United States, which means there is a lot to see and do. It is home to the most geologically active lands on the planet. The gushing geysers and bubbling hot springs are the park's signature features. But the wildlife is famous, too. Get ready for the priceless look on your children's faces when they first see a bison crossing the road. With all this action, it is no wonder that Yellowstone is one of the country's most-visited parks as well. "If you want to miss the crowds, enter the park early in the morning, which is a great time to see the wildlife, too," says Nathan Borchelt, an editor and national park aficionado at GORP.com. "Or better yet, stay the night in the park for sunset views that day-trippers rarely see."

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Covering more than a half a million acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most-visited national park in the country (drawing in around 10 million visitors annually). This park makes the list because it provides easy access to nature and is within a day's drive of nearly a third of the U.S. population. The park has nearly 800 miles of hiking trails and 16 mountain peaks higher than 6,000 feet. Families will see plenty of diverse wildlife, such as black bears, elk and a diverse collection of fauna and flora. Also, the park encompasses more than 90 historic buildings to explore.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine, delivers the full outdoor experience. It was the first national park created east of the Mississippi, and it is best known for its boulder-lined coast and former carriage-path trails that wind through the forest. Go hiking or trail running on Cadillac Mountain and enjoy the beautiful views and fresh mountain air. Also, explore the shores and islands with the family by kayak or canoe; areas such as Eagle Lake and Porcupine Island are stunning. Be sure to snag some of the area's famous lobsters and blueberries. And if you have time, plan a day-trip to Nova Scotia on the ferry.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park, also jokingly known as the eighth wonder of the world, brings in more than 5 million visitors each year. Hiking below the canyon rim or rafting a section of the Colorado River will ensure the whole family experiences more than just a panoramic view from the top (though that's one stunning view). Tell the children that the rock they just touched is more than 2 billion years old, and you will most certainly see a look of wonder. If you are really adventurous, you can plan a mule-trek into (and out of) the canyon, but be sure to drink lots of water and put on sunscreen, as it will get hot as you ascend almost 4,500 vertical feet.

http://www.jaredanthonycox.com

Three astoundingly simple solutions for big renovation challenges

But virtually every renovation challenge is solvable, and sometimes the answers are surprisingly simple and cost-effective. Here are three common issues you may encounter while renovating, and the astoundingly simple ways to overcome the obstacles:



The challenge: Adding a bathroom over concrete flooring or in a tight spot where traditional plumbing doesn't work well.



The simple solution: Up-flush plumbing. Bathroom renovations or additions offer a high return on investment - as much as 56 percent of the initial investment when you resell, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. But conventional plumbing can be costly and time-consuming, even in the best circumstances. If you want to add a bathroom in a basement where the floor is concrete or in a smaller space with no room for traditional piping, an up-flush, or macerating, toilet is a simple, cost-effective solution.



Systems like Saniflo's macerating toilet and plumbing technology eliminate the need to cut through a floor to install new drainage. And the systems fit easily into areas as small as a closet or dead space beneath a stairway. A macerating pump reduces waste and paper from the toilet and sends it under high pressure through piping directly into the septic or sewer system. No waste is stored, and the systems are comparatively low-cost compared to traditional plumbing. Visit www.saniflo.com to learn more.



The challenge: Introducing natural light in a room with no space for windows.



The simple solution: Skylights. The benefits of natural light are well-documented, from improving mood to reducing dependence on artificial lights. Yet some spaces, such as interior powder rooms or walk-in closets, don't lend themselves to windows. When you want natural light in a room where a lack of wall space precludes a window, or in which privacy is an issue, a skylight can be a great solution. Tubular skylights even allow you to bring natural light into ground floor rooms.



The cost of installing a skylight is comparable to adding quality windows in a room. Choose energy-efficient skylights and you may also reduce home cooling costs in spring and summer, and lighting costs in winter, too.



The challenge: Privacy in a doorway where a swinging door doesn't make sense.



The simple solution: Pocket doors. A swinging door may not be right for a space for many reasons. Perhaps you need to close a door in a spot so infrequently that a swinging door isn't needed. Or, maybe the space around the doorway is too tight to accommodate a swinging door, such as in a laundry space tucked into a hallway. Or, perhaps a traditional door will ruin the aesthetic of a space. In all those situations, a pocket door is a great way to achieve privacy without compromise. Because pocket doors tuck away inside the wall, you don't need to worry about having enough space to open or close a traditional door. Plus, when left open, pocket doors are hidden inside the wall so their visual impact on decor is minimal.



While these solutions may be beyond the abilities of most do-it-yourselfers, reputable contractors can accomplish them easily - and help you decide if one of these options is right for your renovation project.

5 Things to Consider About a Neighborhood Before Buying

Buying a home is a long-term, important investment, so take the time to discover what makes your targeted neighborhoods tick. There are a number of ways to check the pulse of a community; talking to neighbors can give you a great snapshot of what it’s like to live there. Here are five other ways to determine whether a neighborhood is the right fit for you.

1. Is it an up-and-coming area or still in transition?
You might start by researching local home values and foreclosure rates. Consider such factors as crime rate, development plans and proposed or new businesses. You can even contact local officials, such as the county property appraiser or the HOA manager (if applicable) for better insights. Sometimes buying a home in a transitional area may prove to be a good investment, but you probably want to make sure you'll feel good about your home in the interim, too.

2. Do the schools make the grade?
Even if you don’t have school-age children, you should be interested in how the schools in your potential neighborhood perform. Homes near high-ranking schools tend to maintain higher resale values. Start your research by visiting GreatSchools.org  or using the SchoolFinder tool at education.com.

3. What’s nearby?
Consider what’s important to you in your future neighborhood, and then explore the surrounding areas near your targeted home. Among things to keep in mind are proximity to stores, schools and green spaces. Aside from being practical, these amenities make it easy to mingle with neighbors, set up kids’ play dates or just play fetch with your pup. WalkScore.com is a great place to search for nearby amenities – all you have to do is plug in an address and mode of transportation.

4. How far is it from work?
Try the new INRIX Drive Time tool on remax.com to determine how long it will take you to drive to work, school or area stores from your new home. You can also time a potential commute by doing a test drive during the time of day you’re most likely to go to and from work. Explore mass transit options. In addition to offering an alternative to driving, good public transportation near your home can have a positive effect on your property value.

5. How safe is it?
A neighborhood watch, well-lit streets, walkways, security systems and little to no signs of vandalism are signs of a safe neighborhood. You can see a picture of the types of crimes that occur in the neighborhood by researching on city-data.com or FBI.gov and the local police department’s website.

A RE/MAX agent is one of the best helpers you could have on your quest to find the right neighborhood – and the right home – for your needs.

For the information you’re looking for, give me a call at 832-570-5726 or visit me online at CallJared.com.

How to identify your home's best and worst features before you sell

1. ANALYZE THE SPACE. Walk through your home and look at each room in the context of the overall property. - Is your kitchen very dark and compartmentalized with an inefficient floor plan and layout? - Are the cabinets just worn out and refused to stay closed? - Do your appliances only work when they want to?



OR - on the flip side:



If you've maintained your home beautifully over the years and renovated your kitchen recently - added a new patio and landscaping - and updated the overall décor - but you're still living with that green and pink guest bathroom down the hall, now would be the time to remodel it! It will look extremely dated and tired compared to the upgrades you've already made. So by refreshing it now will present a more cohesive piece of property to show later.



2. IDENTIFY THE NEGATIVES - AND FIX THEM! Before you invest any time and money into any home renovation projects it's so important to first evaluate the structural elements of your home. Do a walk through, and be really honest with what you find. What weaknesses did you discover? If YOU can see the problems, so will the potential buyers!



Be on the lookout for anything and everything from cracks in the foundation, rotting, bulging or splitting around doors and windows. Is the electrical wiring antiquated? Do you have a termite problem? These issues can't be hidden or camouflaged. So be proactive and hire a home inspector before you sell. They will help you uncover problems and looming issues that you may have over looked. A typical home inspection analyzes the home's structural integrity, all major mechanical systems and provides you with a thorough assessment of your home's structure and property.



Use this information to repair the necessary areas of the home and give it the TLC it deserves. - Set goals and decide what you NEED to do and the compromises you'll willing to make to turn your home into someone else's dream home.



3. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVES - AND ENHANCE THEM! Highlight your home's Best features. Every home should have some. If they don't then create them! Is it a canyon view from the hillside - the ocean view from the kitchen - the spectacular double-sided fireplace or the fabulous gourmet kitchen you've loved for years? Or its simply the deck and outdoor kitchen off the family room? - Whatever the asset - dress it, enhance it, show it - AND CREATE THAT WOW FACTOR!



by: Lori Gilder

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6308.shtml

What's the finishing touch on a low maintenance home? The trim

Now consumers can enhance the architectural beauty of their homes with superior-quality cellular PVC trimboard from Kleer Lumber, a division of The Tapco Group. Kleer Trimboard provides versatile solutions with wood's aesthetic appeal without wood's extensive maintenance. Not only is Kleer Trimboard easily installed everywhere wood trim is traditionally used, it has more applications. It's impervious to moisture, insect infestation and other threats to wood, giving homeowners the freedom to pursue more creative trim applications and peace of mind to enjoy their enhanced home for decades.



"Kleer Trimboard delivers the authentic, rich appearance of wood coupled with the long-term durability and very low-maintenance homeowners want," says Jack Delaney, national sales manager of The Tapco Group's Kleer Lumber division. "With Kleer, people don't have to sacrifice aesthetics to avoid wood's problems. Kleer's cellular PVC trimboard outperforms wood in every application, in every climate. Kleer Trimboard is appropriate on virtually every house, whether it's a coastal mansion or modest neighborhood home."



Kleer Trimboard works where roofing meets the house, around windows and doors, in contact with the ground and concrete where wood often fails, and anywhere the imagination leads, including soffits and fascia, columns and cornices. With unmatched versatility, Kleer can be machined to create intricate gingerbread and fluted pilasters and other custom applications, including heat-bending for elegant curves. Kleer trim is also a breeze to glue, route and mold using wood trim tools. Boards and other components come in multiple sizes.



Because it's completely synthetic, Kleer isn't susceptible to the challenges that plague wood and composite trim, including mold, mildew, swelling and rot from moisture or insect damage. Wood's form and function inevitably fails over time despite repeated sanding and repainting. Kleer trim is easily maintained with soap and water, keeping it beautiful long-term.



Kleer's proprietary TruEDGE technology keeps board edges cleaner through installation and beyond. And, if the edges do get dirty, they are much easier to clean than edges without TruEDGE technology. Unlike some PVC trim brands that are textured, Kleer Trimboard has a natural wood grain finish that closely resembles genuine cedar; it's also available with a smooth finish on both sides. Available in pure white, Kleer Trimboard keeps its fresh bright appearance for decades or can be painted to match other decor. Its Limited Lifetime Warranty, which includes labor for the first two years, offers the industry's strongest protection.



Kleer's complete system includes trimboards, sheets, mouldings, adhesives, and concealed fasteners to finish any job. Ideal for home exteriors, Kleer Trimboard is also used for interior wainscot applications in moist spaces, including bath and laundry rooms. Kleer's Beaded Boards and Sheets enhance and protect these areas, including ceilings.



"We're continuously innovating and expanding the Kleer Trimboard product line, so customers have the best choices for enhancing the architecture, curb appeal, and value of their homes," says Delaney. "The decorative possibilities are endless. Kleer Trimboard also perfectly complements Kleer Decking and the Kleer Rail PVC Railing System. No other trimboard offers Kleer's combination of benefits - it's the right finishing touch for every home."



The Tapco Group, a U.S. Green Building Council member, is the building industry's leading provider of easy-to-install, premium, innovative interior and exterior products. Serving the building industry since 1961, Tapco specializes in the manufacturing of roofing, siding, decking, railing, trim, tool systems, egress systems and siding components. The products combine versatile application, durability, vast color palettes and uncommon authenticity to exceed the expectations of contractors and homeowners.



For more information, visit www.kleerlumber.com or www.TheTapcoGroup.com or call (800) 521-7567.

August 2014 Housing Report

RE/MAX researches 52 major metropolitan markets and analyzes the data to
get a pulse on the US housing market. Here are some highlights from
this months report. To download the full report visit http://www.remax.com/c/about/newsroom. For more information about your local real estate market and what these trends mean for you, contact a local RE/MAX agent. http://www.jaredanthonycox.com.

Become a produce professional: healthy eats from farm to family

Local. That's the buzzword when it comes to healthy eats these days. From the farm to the city, locally grown goods are keeping menus fresh and food lovers satisfied. This trend is on the rise in hot-spot restaurants around the nation and now it's never been easier to make fresh, culinary magic happen in your own home. Here's the trick to getting it done: learn the facts and become a produce professional.



The most obvious benefit of shopping local is taking garden-fresh, flavor-packed goods home for your family to nosh on. You'll get the highest nutritional value foods by buying in season, says chef Lynn Krause, culinary academic director of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of St. Louis. If that's not enough to get your juices flowing, consider this: Purchasing crops from various community farmers boosts local economies and enhances sustainability practices by keeping food import/export needs down, according to chef Linda Trakselis, culinary instructor at The International Culinary School at The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago. Buying produce cultivated within a 150-mile radius of your location may also increase the likelihood of ingesting products with fewer pesticides and protective coatings typically added during the shipping process.



When it comes to buying regional fruits and vegetables, chef Clare Menck, academic director of Culinary Arts at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Wisconsin, recommends cruising farmers markets. It's best to arrive early and do a lap for price checks, product quality and available options. From there, let your menu be guided by seasonal items and begin picking your produce. Menck also suggests you develop a relationship with the farmers - ask for their pick of the week, recipe tips and preparation suggestions.



Purchasing medium sized, darker colored fruits and veggies is your best bet for flavor and nutrients, says Trakselis of hand-picking products at the week-end pop-up shops.



Farmers markets are also a great spot to pounce on the freshest proteins. I always head for the specials; seek out the fresh catch of the day, fresh cut steaks and chicken specials to feature in meals, says Krause. Local poultry and shellfish is often inexpensive when compared to goods imported from other regions.



Another convenient way to secure the season's freshest crops is to order produce boxes from community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Boxes offer a variety of the season's crops straight from the farm on a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly basis. The problem may be that you're getting something in the box you're unfamiliar with, but that's not such a bad deal. You learn how to incorporate new vegetables into your meals and can ask for the farmer's cooking tips, says Trakselis.



Your bounty will vary by season as crops are harvested for the market. Summertime finds include berries, melons, peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, green beans, asparagus and dark, leafy greens. As the season shifts to fall, you'll score root veggies, Swiss chard, kale and the last crop of sweet corn and melons. Winter brings citrus and hearty vegetables like beets, turnips, winter squashes, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens to your market. Stock up on more bitter veggies during this time as the hard winter frost releases sugars in the produce and sweetens up your goods. Finally, springtime means peas, lettuce and the first berry buds.



Proper storage will ensure the longevity of your loot. Don't ever put your tomatoes in the fridge - it breaks down the fibrous membrane and you'll notice a steep decline in taste and texture, says Menck. Natural sugars turn to starch in the fridge and it also stops the ripening process. She also recommends keeping onions, potatoes, garlic and even carrots in plastic containers in cool locations, like on a shelf in the garage, especially in the wintertime.



Look no further than your local farm for the freshest and most nutritious meals. Knowing your way around the market will benefit your week's food haul, your health and your wallet.