FrontDoor Unlocked - HGTV's FrontDoor Real Estate Blog » real estate http://blog.frontdoor.com News and thoughts from behind the FrontDoor Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:06:39 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Home with Private Natural History Museum Listed for $13.85 million http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2011/09/21/home-with-private-natural-history-museum-listed-for-13-85-million/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2011/09/21/home-with-private-natural-history-museum-listed-for-13-85-million/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:06:39 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=2343 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Home with Private Natural History Museum Listed for $13.85 million", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2011/09/21/home-with-private-natural-history-museum-listed-for-13-85-million/" }); ]]> The Wall Street Journal gives us an inside look at a very unique home for sale in New Canaan, Conn. The 7-acre estate boasts a 5-bed, 9-bath home with more than 15,000 square feet, a 7-car garage and every standard luxury.

But the real kicker is a two-level animal museum.

The homeowner creatively preserved more than 100 animals he personally hunted — from the standard bear and mountain sheep to the more unusual rhino, lion and baboon.

But the animals aren’t merely hung on the walls; they’re displayed as you would find them in their native habitats. For instance, you’ll find two wolves posed attacking a musk ox in artificial snow. Take a look at the cool pictures >>

If taxidermy gives you the creeps (as it does for me), don’t let that keep you from buying the property. The sellers can redo the space at no extra cost.

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2011/09/21/home-with-private-natural-history-museum-listed-for-13-85-million/feed/ 0 Celebrate Halloween all year with these haunted houses for sale http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/29/celebrate-halloween-all-year-with-these-haunted-houses-for-sale/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/29/celebrate-halloween-all-year-with-these-haunted-houses-for-sale/#comments Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:29:10 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=2228 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Celebrate Halloween all year with these haunted houses for sale", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/29/celebrate-halloween-all-year-with-these-haunted-houses-for-sale/" }); ]]> Happy halloween!

If you’re a brave homeowner who appreciates the paranormal and wouldn’t mind living with ghosts, we’ve got some real estate for you.

We scoured our listings and found four homes for sale that offer stunning architectural detail, gorgeous landscaping… and maybe a ghost or two.

Former residents of these homes have reported all kinds of eerie activity, from ethereal figures roaming the grounds to doors opening and closing all by themselves.

Take a tour of these four spooky properties, then visit FrontDoor’s Haunted Houses Guide for tips on buying, selling and living in homes with the undead.

Step inside haunted homes for sale… if you dare >>

Enter our Trick-or-Treat Sweepstakes for a chance to win $3,000 >>

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/29/celebrate-halloween-all-year-with-these-haunted-houses-for-sale/feed/ 1 Cool Houses: 6 Captivating Castles for Sale http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/05/cool-houses-6-captivating-castles-for-sale/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/05/cool-houses-6-captivating-castles-for-sale/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:42:52 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=2209 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Cool Houses: 6 Captivating Castles for Sale", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/05/cool-houses-6-captivating-castles-for-sale/" }); ]]>

The Kimble Castle in Manhattan, Kansas, is listed for $1.46 million.

From the Cool Houses archives:

They say your home is your castle, but what if it really was? Thanks to these majestic dwellings, castles aren’t just for royalty anymore.

Originally built to protect nobles against hostile intrusions, castles became a symbol of prestige and power over time. The Romantic Era of the 18th century brought about a renewed interest in castles and the construction of many “mock” castles.

While these modern-day strongholds may not be equipped for battle, their soaring turrets, thick stone walls and elegant grounds certainly make life feel a little more royal.

Don your crown and scepter and check out 6 regal residences >>

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/10/05/cool-houses-6-captivating-castles-for-sale/feed/ 2 Celebrate fall with homebuying and selling tips from FrontDoor http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/09/10/celebrate-fall-with-buying-and-selling-tips-from-hgtvs-frontdoor/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/09/10/celebrate-fall-with-buying-and-selling-tips-from-hgtvs-frontdoor/#comments Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:51:03 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=2176 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Celebrate fall with homebuying and selling tips from FrontDoor", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/09/10/celebrate-fall-with-buying-and-selling-tips-from-hgtvs-frontdoor/" }); ]]> home-staging-tips-fall

Fall selling tip: Don't let fallen leaves ruin your home's curb appeal.

Fall is here!

While spring has traditionally been the busiest season for real estate, don’t underestimate the power of fall.

Homebuyers can find great deals, while sellers can stage their homes for the season.

Whether you’re hunting for a bargain or trying to close a deal before the holidays, get everything you need to know to get your home ready for fall at www.frontdoor.com/fall.

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/09/10/celebrate-fall-with-buying-and-selling-tips-from-hgtvs-frontdoor/feed/ 4 Cool Houses: 7 Small Homes With Big Style http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/07/28/cool-houses-7-small-homes-with-big-style/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/07/28/cool-houses-7-small-homes-with-big-style/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:38:12 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=2139 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Cool Houses: 7 Small Homes With Big Style", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/07/28/cool-houses-7-small-homes-with-big-style/" }); ]]> Cool Houses small stylish homeFrom the Cool Houses archives:

Empty nesters aren’t the only ones downsizing these days. In a tough economy, many people are making do with less space to save money on energy and maintenance.

But living in a smaller home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style and comfort. Take these pint-sized pads, for example.

With updated kitchens, eco-friendly features and charming architectural details — all in less than 1,000 square feet — these compact cribs show that good things really do come in small packages.

Take a tour of 7 tiny yet tasteful abodes >>

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/07/28/cool-houses-7-small-homes-with-big-style/feed/ 0 Make everyday Earth Day with these green ideas for your home http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/22/make-everyday-earth-day-with-these-green-ideas-for-your-home/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/22/make-everyday-earth-day-with-these-green-ideas-for-your-home/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:29:53 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=2056 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Make everyday Earth Day with these green ideas for your home", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/22/make-everyday-earth-day-with-these-green-ideas-for-your-home/" }); ]]> hgtv-green-home-cape-cod-cottageHappy Earth Day!

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the official start of the environmental movement, your friends at FrontDoor want to offer these valuable tips for living green:

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/22/make-everyday-earth-day-with-these-green-ideas-for-your-home/feed/ 0 Almost Live from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/16/almost-live-from-the-kitchen-bath-industry-show-in-chicago/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/16/almost-live-from-the-kitchen-bath-industry-show-in-chicago/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:31:08 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=2041 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Almost Live from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/16/almost-live-from-the-kitchen-bath-industry-show-in-chicago/" }); ]]> wood stoneIt’s Annalisa reporting from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago and I’m looking forward to a great weekend learning about cool new trends and technology for the two most popular rooms in your home.

I spent most of the morning checking out the show floor, from Kohler’s mega-booth (more like showroom), which felt like a club with its blaring dance music, to Wood Stone’s booth, where they were baking fresh pizzas for convention-goers to sample.

I’ll be tweeting via @HGTVFrontDoor and posting updates on the blog periodically so follow along!

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2010/04/16/almost-live-from-the-kitchen-bath-industry-show-in-chicago/feed/ 0 Southwestern living shines in HGTV’s new Dream Home http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/22/southwestern-living-shines-in-hgtvs-new-dream-home/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/22/southwestern-living-shines-in-hgtvs-new-dream-home/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:17:16 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=1951 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Southwestern living shines in HGTV’s new Dream Home", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/22/southwestern-living-shines-in-hgtvs-new-dream-home/" }); ]]>

hgtv-dream-home-new-mexicoLonging for a luxurious lifestyle in the Southwest?

Then check out HGTV’s Dream Home!

This year,  it’s a 3,900-square-foot, Pueblo-style home in Sandia Park, New Mexico, a scenic master-planned community between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Starting Jan. 1, you can enter to win the $2 million grand-prize package, which includes the home, a 2010 GMC Terrain and $5,000 in cash.

If you live in the Southwest, let us know what it’s like. Post your comments here. Good luck!

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/22/southwestern-living-shines-in-hgtvs-new-dream-home/feed/ 1 Selling your home during the holidays? Try these tips to heat things up http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/16/selling-during-the-holidays-try-these-tips-to-heat-things-up/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/16/selling-during-the-holidays-try-these-tips-to-heat-things-up/#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:55:17 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=1927 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Selling your home during the holidays? Try these tips to heat things up", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/16/selling-during-the-holidays-try-these-tips-to-heat-things-up/" }); ]]> staging-tips-sell-house-fireplaceWith everyone in holiday mode, real estate may be the furthest thing from your mind. Unless you’re a seller who needs to move NOW.

If you’re in a bind this holiday season, HGTV’s FrontDoor.com wants to help ease your stress. Try these tips to bring cheer to what may seem like a chore:

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]]> http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/12/16/selling-during-the-holidays-try-these-tips-to-heat-things-up/feed/ 0 HGTV’s Real Estate Intervention host Sabrina Soto to speak at NAR http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/11/14/hgtvs-real-estate-intervention-host-sabrina-soto-to-speak-at-nar/ http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/11/14/hgtvs-real-estate-intervention-host-sabrina-soto-to-speak-at-nar/#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:48:38 +0000 Annalisa Burgos http://blog.frontdoor.com/?p=1904 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "HGTV’s Real Estate Intervention host Sabrina Soto to speak at NAR", url: "http://blog.frontdoor.com/blog/2009/11/14/hgtvs-real-estate-intervention-host-sabrina-soto-to-speak-at-nar/" }); ]]> Click here to view the embedded video.

HGTV fans attending the NAR convention have to check out the “Test Out Your On-Camera Presence” session on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. or Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in Room 28A on the upper level of the San Diego Convention Center.

The host of HGTV’s Real Estate Intervention, Sabrina Soto, and Channing Dawson, one of the members of the founding executive team of HGTV, will show you:

* how to use video to enhance your brand and business
* the top 10 tips for boosting your on-camera appeal

Attendees will be part of a “studio audience” and a few lucky REALTORS® will be selected to work with Sabrina in an interactive home walk-through.

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