We live in an instant-gratification society. We want what we want, and we want it now. Some of this is simply human nature. Some of the fault for this lies at the feet of our mass media. We're trained to think a complicated murder investigation can be solved and prosecuted in an hour TV show. Such is the case when it comes to all things home related.   Thanks to networks like the DIY Network and HGTV, we have become accustomed to seeing home renovations wrapped up in a single episode, by homeowners just like you and me. However, that's not how real life works. In real life, remodeling projects take time and a lot of work. Sometimes, they even take the work of a professional!

The FHA 203k option for home buyers covers a long list of home improvements, repairs, renovations and rehab projects. But when I came across this house, I saw 7 right away. Take a look.   Dowloand the FHA 203k Survival Guide here for some hints on what the 7 fixes are!

Decorating your home doesn't have to be expensive or a long term look. Use these 12 tips to find creative ways to change the look of your home, whether it's for a few weeks or the foreseeable future. Most of these DIY home improvement tips don't require any special equipment or expertise, and when you're done, your home will be uniquely yours.   

What started as a second home on a lake to "get away from it all," began to become a true home for one family. Time on the lake began to become part of their everyday life, and they didn't want to leave the lake cottage once winter began to creep in. But the problems with a lake house as a permanent, year-round home like space and winterization kept them from turning the lake house into home.   

You might think that a mortgage company is going to push a home loan for every little home improvement project you may want to do. But here's the thing about doing that: not everyone needs to finance home improvements. It's a shocking truth some lenders don't want you to know. But it's the truth. Not everyone needs to borrow money for home improvement financing, just like not everyone should buy a house.   Sometimes renting is better for some folks, just like some folks can perform do-it-yourself upgrades with no financing.

When it's time to add a little color and spice to your home, let the kids in on the fun! DIY home decor projects with the kids make for great family time and will enhance your child's problem solving and direction following skills (plus it's fun to get messy with them!). Another plus is maybe, just maybe, that if the kids have a part in the home decor, it could insure that your decor may last longer than it might usually would!