Margaret Crane

Margaret Crane is a nationally known freelance writer, blogger and journalist who has co-authored with Barbara Ballinger several books and articles on real estate, design and family business. Her byline has appeared in Realtor® magazine. With more than a half-dozen titles to her credit, Margaret’s latest design book is The Kitchen Bible: Designing the perfect culinary space.


Margaret's Articles

Paint: The Easiest Decorating Tool

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Paint - The Easiest Decorating Tool

Painting your home is necessary, and a good investment. But who to hire? Recommendations are useful, but what your close pal or neighbor deems a good painting job compared to your expectations may be vastly different. And then there’s the challenge of getting the painter to show up on time, to do the necessary prep.....

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Cabinets: Top of the List for Every Kitchen

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Cabinets: Top of the List for Every Kitchen

The biggest cost in a kitchen redo is the cabinetry. Homeowners want appealing designs and quality craftmanship, and they expect their cabinets to last for many years. They also want a functional layout to provide optimal use of space, and to accommodate all kitchen essentials. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs Value Report, the average.....

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6 Tips to Growing a Beautiful Garden

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6 Tips to Growing a Beautiful Garden

Outdoor living space has become one of many home owners’ top priorities. A healthy lawn, trees and seasonal plantings, as well as amenities such as a deck, swimming pool, pond, walkways and outdoor lighting, all help expand indoor square footage, improve the look of your yard for yourself, neighbors and community, and increase the value.....

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Keeping Pests Away

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Keeping Pests Away

No one wants an unwanted pest – as in insects or vermin – whether it’s inside their home, outside on their decks and in their yards. Not only is it unhealthy, these pests can wreak havoc, cause stress and require pest control experts to remove them. And in worst cases, home owners may need to.....

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Getting Rid of Pests

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Pest Control

Learn to keep unwanted creatures away Even before you sign on the dotted line, your home should be checked for certain uninvited visitors--pests. They can show up and dig in for the long haul. Termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ticks, carpenter ants, and rodents can wreak havoc on your home’s infrastructure, both exterior and interior. They can.....

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Vacation Abodes: Which Way to Go?

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Vacation Abodes

Looking for an affordable vacation home? Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, there are many great destinations to choose from – and you’re not limited to only one! When it comes to vacation homes, why not have many – and in various locations? Here are some things to consider. Time Shares 2.0 A few.....

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