With increased awareness of our impact on the environment and advances in technology, options in solar power are more prevalent than ever before. As a fast-growing industry, home solar power is a respected resource and a prolific alternative to other energy sources.

If you've resisted solar energy for your home because you think your only option are those ugly, obtrusive panels of yesteryear, think again. Today's options are plentiful and as versatile as your needs. Here are just a few ways you can incorporate solar energy into your home:

Instead of solar panels, consider having photovoltaic (pv) shingles installed on your roof. These come in a variety of colors to complement the beauty of your home, blend into your roof design and are more architecturally pleasing. They are extremely durable - capable of withstanding winds of up to 80 miles per hour.

Conventional water heating methods consume approximately 30 percent of your household energy, but a thermal water heater will pay for itself repeatedly; plus, if you choose this option, you may be eligible for rebates and tax incentives.

Many outdoor systems can be solar-powered, like garden and security lighting, but of these, the most practical is heating and filtering your swimming pool by solar energy.

Remember the days when more was ... well, more? Those days are past. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) predicts that the biggest home design trend for 2010 will be to scale down and maximize a home's usable space.

AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker notes that home sizes "have been trending downward recently, with a significantly higher number of architects reporting demand for smaller homes this year."

Upscale buyers are also expected to want homes with open floor plans and outdoor living enhancements, like fire pits and kitchens. These features are especially desirable for homeowners who like to entertain.

For more serious-minded buyers, expect to see office space incorporated into the home design. In many cases, extra bedrooms may be converted to dual work stations so two-income couples can work from home.

Finally, eco-friendly housing is becoming even more popular, especially among younger buyers. The desire for concrete counter tops, tankless water heaters and recycling bins built into kitchen cabinets, as well as energy-efficient features are on the rise.

Wait! You don't have to throw out that grungy patio set. Just because the vinyl is a little faded or the fabric is tattered doesn't mean you can't salvage it. Patio furniture can be refinished for much less than it may cost to replace it. Try these tips to get your outdoor tables and chairs looking good as new:

• Never use harsh cleaners or bleach on vinyl; instead, clean with a mild detergent and a soft rag.
• When bringing out patio furniture for the first time, check bolts to make sure that they are securely fastened.
• Try to keep wicker furniture in the shade as sun can make it dry and brittle. Clean wicker furniture with a toothbrush and wood soap.
• If aluminum furniture looks shabby, lightly sand it with steel wool or fine sandpaper, then buff it with car polish to restore its luster.

Keep your patio furniture clean throughout the summer by rinsing it weekly to remove dirt and chlorine, which can quickly deteriorate it.

When the weather is warm and sunny, many people find it difficult to remain indoors. That's why, according to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects, many homeowners want to improve their outdoor living space. In fact, 64 percent of those surveyed were interested in updating a deck, compared to 47 percent last year. Also, one in three people responded that the patio or deck is a significant factor when looking to purchase a new home.

If you would like to update your deck, first consider these questions: Do you use your deck for entertaining or mostly for relaxing? Do you need additional space for an outdoor kitchen or hot tub? What style and materials would best enhance the beauty of your home?

When updating your deck also keep these design tricks and trends in mind:

• Hidden deck fasteners - for a deck unmarred by visible nails and screws, opt for biscuit fasteners that fit perfectly between the boards of your deck.
• Rich materials - many upscale decks are being constructed from such wood as cedar, redwood or mahogany.
• Modern railings - crafted from such materials as iron and glass, today's railings are available in a multitude of styles or can be made to distinctly fit your home for a one-of-a-kind look.
• Finishing touches - various lighting options, a fireplace or an outdoor audio/video system can make your deck as convenient and comfortable as the rest of your home.

It's the first room you usually visit when you wake up and the last stop before bed at night. Did you also know that the average person spends a total of seven years of his or her lifetime in the bathroom? It's no wonder that you would want to make this room as attractive and comfortable as possible. Here are some ways that you can add touches of luxury to your bathroom.

• It's black and white when it comes to current trends in bathroom decor. While it's still popular to have a natural feel to your bathroom by using lots of wood, many designers are now staining that wood in either very light tints or mahogany shades.
• Another trend is incorporating glass tiles in your bathroom to better reflect natural light. Choosing pale colors for your walls and flooring like ecru or an icy blue will also reflect light well and can create a calming oasis.
• Arrange a plush chair in your bathroom for a comfortable spot where you can apply body lotion, comb your hair or sit and relax as you wait for the tub to fill.
• Install a towel-heating rod so you can wrap yourself in a warm, fluffy towel as you step from the bath or shower.

Infuse the bathroom with your personality by hanging some of your favorite artwork. Be sure to take your artwork to a professional framer who can help protect it from high humidity.

House hunting can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming. After thoroughly examining several houses, you may have trouble remembering details of specific homes. Was the quaint window seat in the blue Cape Cod-style home or was it in the house near the park? It may help to take along a notepad and pen when you tour homes so you can take notes. Here are some other items you may want to have handy when house-hunting:

• Flashlight. This will help you take a closer look into enclosed areas.
• Tape measure. Although room sizes should be included on the listing sheet, you may want to check ceiling clearances and the depth of the garage.
• Camera. Having photos of your favorite homes can help you to narrow your selection. It may also be wise to photograph anything that needs repair, so you can double check it during your final walk through if you decide to purchase the property.

Another factor to consider when house-hunting is whether or not to take your children along. While you want to make sure that each member of the family feels included in the decision of which house to purchase, it may be best to leave young children with a friend or family member as you tour properties.

Young children often have short attention spans, so they can become bored or restless before you are finished with your tour. Once you have selected a home, you may want to unveil it to your young children before moving day to help prepare them for the upcoming move.

Most older children, however, can contribute to the search, and including them in the decision-making process may help them make a smooth transition to the new area.

A new home is a big step and there are many factors to consider, but with a little planning and family participation, you may be surprised at how quickly you are able to find just the right home.

If you're relocating to a new city, try to make the transition as smooth as possible for your children. Even if they act as though they don't care or you think they won't fully understand the details, keep children informed to help them feel secure about the situation.

The greatest fear preschool children typically have is that they will somehow be left behind. If you need to leave your children for a short time to search for your new home or to orient yourself to the new location, reassure them that you will be back. It may help if you bring them back something from the new location. Consider assigning them a task to complete before you return, such as packing some of their toys in boxes. This will help them feel more involved in the move.

Elementary children may fear how the move will disrupt their everyday lives. To alleviate these fears, take pictures of the new location and of such spots you know they will enjoy as parks and pizza parlors.

Teenagers may be worried about fitting in and making new friends at their new school. Help assure them by finding out as much as you can about the school they will attend. Make special notes of the local trends, sports teams and school clubs.

Once you're settled into your new home, visit the schools that the children will attend and schedule a meeting with the teachers before their first day of school. Once your children start to make new friends, encourage them to bring their new classmates home to visit.

With careful planning and consideration of your children's feelings, the transition will be comfortable for everyone. If you need more advice on relocating, or if you need help selling your existing home, call me. As your real estate sales professional, I am here to help you every step of the way.

Your Dream Dining Room

The dining room has undergone a lot of changes in recent years. It is no longer reserved just for dining or used only when company is expected for dinner.

Today, your dining room can meet a multitude of needs. It can be a casual office or studio space, a spot for your children to do homework or access the computer, a quiet reading nook, and of course, a place to gather, entertain and eat.

How you choose to utilize your dining room depends entirely on your needs, but a few decorating tips can help you make the most of this versatile room.

• The main attraction of any dining room is the table. When selecting a table, consider the available space as well as how you plan to use it. A glass-topped table may be perfect for a modern room that will be used primarily for dinner parties, but it may not be the right choice if your children will be using it for projects. Tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including oblong, square and even octagon; measure your space before shopping to help you pick a table that fits your dining room. An extendable or drop leaf table will allow you to have a smaller table for day-to-day use, then larger when you have guests. Sit on the chairs before buying a dining set to make sure that they are comfortable.
• Traffic flow is another consideration to keep in mind. Make sure that you allow enough space around the table for a small desk, comfortable chair or other furnishings that you may need.
• Don't forget the floors. Wall-to-wall carpeting may not be the best choice in a room that will be used for eating, but you can make the room cozier by adding an area rug. Just be sure that it is large enough that the dining chairs fit on it. You don't want the front legs of the chair to be on the rug and the back legs to be on the bare floor. This can feel unstable when sitting and make it difficult to move the chair.
• The right light is important in the dining room as well. A dimmer switch is an ideal option to create various moods - bright when the kids are doing homework and soft for a dinner party, but not too dim; you want your guests to be able to see each other and what they are eating.

Noise can raise your stress level, whether it's barking dogs or loud music. You can make your home into an oasis of peace and quiet by following these sound-reducing tips:

• Noise enters your home in the same locations where air seeps in, so use weather stripping or caulk to seal around your doors and windows. You may also want to consider installing energy efficient windows and solid wood doors.
• Have your heating and air conditioning ducts wrapped with high-quality, fiberglass insulation.
• Hard surfaces can amplify sound, so soften your home by adding pillows, carpets or area rugs.
• Hang curtains rather than window blinds.
• Place pads underneath your washing machine, stereo and television to help absorb sound.
• Line the bottom of cabinet drawers with rubber mats.
• Add shelves filled with books along a wall.

You can help to ensure that you enjoy years of warmth and comfort from your gas or wood-burning fireplace by performing regular maintenance and safety practices. Before lighting your fireplace, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Have your chimney inspected annually and professionally cleaned as needed. 
• Install a guard on top of your chimney to prevent animals or debris from getting in and blocking it.
• Keep the area around the fireplace clear of any flammable objects and use a fireplace grate or screen.
• Keep children and pets away from the fireplace and never leave unattended.
• Never use gasoline or any liquid accelerant to help start your fire.
• Install both a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke alarm in your home. Check the batteries regularly.
• Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.