The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA

A Home's New Owner Should Ask Seller for Lowdown a Home's New Owner Should Ask Seller for Lowdown On the Property

By Melissa Kossler Dutton The Associated Press

How to Make a 'Softer' Senior Home How to Make Home 'Softer' for Seniors

M OST OF US know that falling in our homes is more prevalent among the senior population. But do you know the cause of these falls? Knowing why they occur and making a few adjustments can easily eliminate many of reasons for the falls in the first place.

Mum's Not the Word On These Posies' Care Mum's Not the Word When It Comes to the Care of These Posies

I have mums along my driveway that grow back each year but become very long and spindly in the summer and fall. Is there any way to return them to their original pleasing compact shape? In late winter, remove the old woody stems of the previous year. They are often brittle enough that they can be broken off at the base. In the spring, pinch or shear the new growth to encourage bushy regrowth. Repeat this in late spring, but no later than early July, to allow the flower buds to form properly f...

A Perked-Up Porch

norfolk Sue Gaines and Jerry Foley had a dream to live in a small cottage on the beach.

Habitat Presents Dream Builder Award to the Dragas Cos. Dream Builder Award to the Dragas Cos.

Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads presented The Dragas Cos. with the first Habitat SHR "Dream Builder" award this month. The award pays tribute to individuals, organizations and companies that commit time, resources, leadership and vision to the advancement of affordable workforce housing in South Hampton Roads. Paul Shelton, president of the local Habitat board, presented the award to Helen Dragas, the company's president and CEO, at the fifth annual Tool Box Bash on Oct. 10.

Don't Be Bored!

the supplies Leftover scraps of wood, various sizes Free

It's Almost 2010, and My Dollar Isn't Stretching It's Almost 2010, and My Dollar Isn't Stretching

THE YEAR 2010 is just around the corner. Almost sounds like a line from a movie, doesn't it? If you're like most Americans, it's likely that you're carrying consumer debt from credit cards and loans, not to mention the thought of owing Uncle Sam some additional tax dollars. For your financial well-being, it's important to pay off that consumer debt as quickly as possible. We all know this, but for some people, getting out of debt can be a daunting task.

Would You Be Willing to Host a Ghost for Cheap or Reduced Rent?

Today, of course, is the most spooktacular day of the year and one of our favorites here at Home. After all, what other holiday has haunted houses as a main attraction? With that in mind, I was thrilled to happen upon the results of a recent Rent.com survey about renters' worst nightmares. Rude roommates and terrifying landlords are just the beginning of rental woes. The real scary stuff is simply ghastly: 11 percent of those surveyed said they have lived in a house inhabited by ghosts.

Realty Sales

chesapeake from OCt. 6 to 13

A Little Soul Searching

Soon after midnight on May 6, 1996, lightening struck the home of Rich and Kathie Eitel of Virginia Beach . The crash of thunder woke their daughter, Kristen, then 15. Unaware that the bolt had hit the chimney next to her bedroom, Kristen fell back to sleep.

Thanksgiving House Captures People's Choice Accolades From Homes Showcase

CHESAPEAKE The crowd has cleared, and the people have spoken.

Larchmont

Robbie Nesmith and his wife, Kay, moved to Larchmont two years ago , lured by the historical feeling of the family-oriented community. They found the perfect house with a wrap-around porch, large backyard and 3,000 square feet, including a finished third floor.