Happy New Year!
With the start of 2014 come new laws and regulations, including some key new Federal rules for mortgage lending. You’ll want to check in with your lender or bank to see if these changes may affect your loan application. It’s also a good time to initiate the process if you plan to build soon, as mortgage interest rates are anticipated to rise as the Federal Reserve makes policy changes in the coming months.
This month, one interesting story covers the new urban agriculture amenities being offered as part of planned communities. These subdivisions offer a different approach with a focus on healthy lifestyle community rather than solely on the housing aspect. We also take a look at the kitchen island and the options that may affect the design in your kitchen.
You may recall we covered the Nest thermostat a few issues back. Now Nest has tackled the smoke/CO detector and has made some welcome technological improvements to this outdated, but necessary, safety device. In the same story we also talk about another fire safety component, the home fire extinguisher.
The Green Tip covers the micro co-generation heat and power system that generates both power and heat from a single fuel. It can be an interesting option for winter getaways and homes in the colder climates.
Finally, this weekend we’re setting up at our first log home show of 2014, The Atlanta Log Home Timber Show & University (see below). If you’re in the area, we hope you’ll stop by to experience the log home lifestyle firsthand.
We’re always looking for new article ideas to answer your questions! Drop us a line and we’ll try to include them in upcoming newsletters. Just click here to reach us.
Sincerely,
David Gordon
President
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New Subdivisions Offer Working Farms as Amenities
Consumers looking for the perfect spot for their Katahdin Cedar Log Home may not consider a traditional subdivision as a fitting landscape to situate their home, however, a new trend in residential development may have some taking a second look.
Learn more here.
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Kitchen Islands – Center of Activities
The warmth of the kitchen draws family members and guests to participate and enjoy the home’s conversation and food. And the kitchen island is often the centerpiece of this gathering. How do you make sure you have the right one for your kitchen? Read more.
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Next Generation Fire Safety
Many homeowners neglect fire safety when designing and equipping their homes, limiting the effort to a battery operated or hard-wired basic smoke detector. See what’s new!
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Winter/Spring Shows Are Off & Running!
With the first log home event in Atlanta happening just this weekend (Jan 17-19), the 2014 log home show season will offer folks plenty of chances to meet with local and knowledgeable Katahdin dealers and representatives. Get the details
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Green Tip: Cogeneration Reaches U.S. Residential Markets
Micro-combined heat and power or co-generation systems have long been employed by larger buildings and businesses to create both heat and electricity from a single fuel source. Now they’re available for residential use. Read more.
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