Running a sprinkler for two hours can use up to 500 gallons of water. To figure out the right amount to water, put an empty tuna can on your lawn. When it’s full, you’ve watered about the right amount. ... << MORE >>

It’s finally time to pull out the patio furniture, fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor activities in your yard. Here are some tips from HGTV.com that will keep your grass looking green all summer long.

When cutting the grass, try to keep its height at about two-and-a-half to three inches. Sharpen the blade of your mower at least three times a year to avoid grass split ends, and be sure to change your mowing pattern to prevent soil compaction, which will inhibit grass growth. I

nstead of lightly watering your grass three to four times a week, give it a ... << MORE >>

Frontdoor.com, HGTV’s real estate Web site, identifies several potential problems that buyers should look out for when touring a home. 

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• Mediocre Maintenance. Three layers of roofing and gutters with plants growing out of them are signs that the owners have not kept up with the property. What else have they neglected? 
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• Foundation Failures. If the yard slopes toward the house, it could cause water to run down the foundation walls or into the basement, which could result in costly repairs. Also if foundation cracks or bulges are thicker than 1/3 inch, the house could have serious structural issues. 
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• Faulty ...

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If you’re looking to spice up the outside appearance of your home, exterior lighting offers many options. To get you started, the lighting pros at GE explain some basic lighting techniques. Ambient lighting, such as yard lights and porch lights, provide overall illumination, while task lighting consists of low-voltage lights along sidewalks and paths.

Accent lighting includes spotlights and other types of special-effect lighting to dramatize outdoor sculptures and fountains. To add depth and drama, try uplighting trees, landscape features and architectural elements by placing lights at an angle so objects are lit from below.

Backlighting, which is achieved ... << MORE >>

Dirt and dust build-up on exterior light bulbs can cause light loss of up to 40 percent.

Source: GELighting.com ... << MORE >>

If you’re looking to stay cool and save on energy bills this summer, look up. A good ceiling fan, when properly used and maintained, can help keep your cooling and heating costs down throughout the year.

To reap the maximum benefits — in comfort level and savings — it’s important to make sure that ceiling fans are properly installed and that you use the right size and model for the room. Consider ceiling fan blade spans, which range from 29 to 54 inches, and room size, and be sure that the fan is mounted in the middle of the room, ... << MORE >>

Pools, sprinklers, hoses — there are many ways to use water outdoors in the summertime, and there are also countless and easy ways to conserve it. Check out the following tips for developing good H2O habits: 

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• Water your lawn only when necessary; if you leave footprints when you walk across it, it’s time to water (usually once every three days). 
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• Minimize evaporation by watering your lawn during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter. 
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• Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption. 
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• Periodically check your pool for ...

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Figure out how much you might save by using an Energy Star fan at www.energystar.gov. Click the “heating and cooling” link through to ceiling fans, where you’ll find a Savings Calculator worksheet as well as lists of energy-efficient fans. ... << MORE >>

The 2008 dates for Bikes, Blues, & BBQ are set for September 24th - 27th.  The event which continues to grow year after year is now on the 2008 Major Rallies list.  It is anticipated that the event could host over 500,000 in the next few years if allowed to use additional streets and vendor space.  Check out the Bikes, Blues, & BBQ website at www.bikesbluesandbbq.org and make your comments here on Northwest Arkansas Blog about the upcoming 2008 event.

According to the Arkansas REALTORS Association, the number of licensed agents dropped 11.79% from April 2007 to April 2008.  Currently there are 2,170 REALTORS in Northwest Arkansas.  The area lost 12.89% of the REALTORS in the Metro Board, 13.78% of the REALTORS in the Rogers Board, and gained 16.13% more REALTORS in the Bentonville-Bella Vista Board.