Despite a sagging economy, consumers are projected to increase spending on their kids' bedroom furniture by 23.5% by 2012 - meaning sales will reach $6.3 BILLION that year. That's up $1.2 billion from last year. So, I guess it's safe to say that where there are growing kids, there are changing styles and design needs. That applies not only to your little ones' furniture, but also to the entire layout and design of your home.

Nobody likes moving. Least of all, me. The last time I moved, it was from an 800 square foot apartment to a 1,400 square foot condo with only two major pieces of furniture and at the end of the day (a very rainy, cold day I might add), my husband and I swore that we would never, ever move ourselves again. You just have no idea how much STUFF you have until it's time to move it!

If you're dreading a move of your own right about now, then check out SAM. SAM stands for "Store and Move" and it's probably the easiest way to essentially move yourself without alienating friends by asking them to sacrifice a whole weekend to help you out.

Why is it that while most of us find it totally acceptable to be fashionably late, the blustery winter season always finds it necessary to blow in early? Well, despite what the calendar says, winter is here. Like it or not. And this weekend's temps will prove it. So, while the wind is howling outside and you're tucked into your warm home, make sure that you're not losing heat to this cruel season. It doesn't take long to seal up your windows and doors - where you lose as much as 10% of your heating bill!

While many homes languish on the market for many months, some sell so quickly you'd think the market is flourishing. So, what is it that sets these homes apart? One thing that more and more buyers are looking for these days is an indication that the home is GREEN. Meaning, something that the seller has done to the home has made it more eco-friendly, energy efficient and will likely save the new owner money in the long run.

Last week the crews from Metromix, Living Healthy Chicago and HomesPlus all got together to shoot our latest holiday promos - here's a peek!

In today's iWorld, everything is online, amped up - connected at all times. And for all you sellers out there, it's worth taking note of, because most buyers do at least their initial home hunting online. And of all of the virtual open houses out there, the grassroots appeal of craigslist continues to draw homebuyers across the country. So, if you're selling - sign-in, upload those pictures that make your place look like a mansion and take a look at The Nest's list of do's and don'ts when you're selling on Craigslist.com...

CNBC is reporting this afternoon that mortgage rates have dropped to a near all-time low today, dropping to between 5.125 and 5.25. Check out the video after the jump...

Already fretting about your monthly heating bills? If so, you might be in for a very loooong winter...but there is something you can do about it (and no, I don't mean throwing the bills away and pretending you never got them...that could get you into trouble.)

The number one way to save money on your heating bills is to keep the heat in your home - how, you ask? Insulation!

If you've been paying attention to the news this week then not only are you sick of hearing the word "bleep" but you probably also know that interest rates have plummeted. Been thinking about buying a home? As far as interest rates are concerned, there's literally never been a better time...

Nothing makes you feel refreshed like a few hours at the day spa - facial, massage, maybe a mani/pedi...nothing major, but it's amazing how those few hours can change the way you feel and act; thus, making you more appealing to those you come into contact with.

See where I'm going with this? If your home is on the market - why not refresh it so that others (read: buyers) can see it as the charming home that you know it to be?

Merry Christmas from the team at HomesPlus!

In the midwest, fireplaces aren't just decorative. And unfortunatly for those of us without them, this has been a week perfect for sitting by the fire and sipping from a mug of steaming hot cocoa! But fireplaces come with a bonus - not only are they functional during our frigid winter months, keeping us cozy and helping to keep energy costs down, but more and more people are adding them throughout the house as a design element.

In a tough market it seems sellers are willing to try anything if it means getting out from under their unwanted mortgage. Case in point: check out craigslist.com these days and you might notice that the category for "house swap" now includes postings from sellers looking to trade homes...permanently.