http://online.wsj.com/video/app-for-homebuyers-gives-details-through-photos/F3097CE7-1895-4411-AA5C-519FC2A704E9.html

Time reports these strides in the housing market:

• Construction went up for both single-family homes and apartments.
• Overall housing starts around the nation have hovered around 700,000 over the last six months, which is 100,000 more than levels for the previous six months.
• Even though the rate of construction is at 50% of the 1.5 million annual pace economists believe to be ideal, the recent gains coupled with job growth and builder confidence indicate that the nation is on the right track.
• Single-family home construction increased 39% from its low point during the recession.

Economists watch the number of starts because new homes, which comprise about one-fifth of the total housing market, create an average of three jobs over a year and approximately $90,000 in taxes. Based on 717,000 units, the housing market would support over 2.15 million jobs.

The Pacific Northwest, which is defined by the area bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountains on the east, has a cool growing season. Oregon, Washington, and Idaho as well as the Canadian province of British Columbia are commonly considered to be part of this region, while looser definitions also include the northernmost part of California. Trees and shrubs like rhododendrons and redwoods do well in this part of the country, but so do a plethora of other plants.

There are many resources available to both novice and professional gardeners. The National Gardening Association provides key information on zonal gardening, seasonal plant trends, and how-to videos. Better Homes and Gardens features articles that range from the highly specific to the general, accompanied by helpful visuals, and Sunset is another magazine full of guidelines and inspirational ideas for gardeners as well as home decorators and entertainers.

When choosing plants, don’t discount the benefit of native species, which are proven to thrive in the region’s climate and are ideal for creating a Pacific Northwest-themed garden. Consider the goatsbeard with its tall plumes of white bloom or the broadleaf lupine, an evergreen perennial with silvery leaves and blue-violet flowers. Gardeners who want long-blooming perennials need look no further than the blanket flower, which produces vivid red, yellow, orange, or rust colors throughout the summer months.

1. Houston – 3.7 percent
2. Atlanta – 3.1 percent
3. Denver – 2.5 percent
4. Dallas – 2.4 percent
5. Seattle – 2.2 percent

The state’s overall employment base grew by 1.49 percent for the same period. And that’s not all. Seattle has become a significant player in green technology.

Green Chip Stocks, a blog that tracks developments in the cleantech industry, ranks the Emerald City fifth for its strides toward raising green standards. Here are the highlights:

• The Green Building Sustainable Communities Program creates city projects that meet sustainable outcomes.
• Seattle invests in deriving electricity from garbage landfills.
• The Green Fleet Plan, housed in Seattle, looks for alternative sources of fuel, advanced technology vehicles, fuel reduction policies, and educational programs.
• The local community demonstrates initiative and participation in energy efficiency policies.

For additional updates on the region, see the Seattle Times Market Review.

http://youtu.be/B0P8NoKOG10

Better Homes & Gardens

The kitchen island is often the hub of the home, the place where family members and guests gather to eat and socialize. While the island’s function remains the same as it has been for years, its look and feel are changing.

“Pare it down to the basics, and anything else is a great addition but not necessary,” says Samantha Emmerling, a senior editor at House Beautiful, as reported in the Chicago Tribune. She notes that since most homeowners want an area for prep, additional counter space, seating, and storage, the form of the actual island ought to follow its function.

What about size? The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a minimum of 3 feet by 4 feet. Maximum size should be determined by the aisle space that surrounds the island. A clearance of 42 inches is ideal for providing ease of movement. Kitchens accommodating more than one home cook, however, should have at least 48 inches of aisle space.

Homeowners can get creative with design, because the best islands are not necessarily custom-built. Better Homes and Gardens features furniture pieces that are up to the task — antique table, workbench, and stainless steel restaurant-grade shelf. Repurposing antiques and salvaged pieces or buying shelves that aren’t expressly made for the kitchen add unique style and charm to the single-most utilized room of the home.