Mortgage Rates
30 Year Fixed: 5.88%
15 Year Fixed: 5.42%
1 Year Adj: 5.18%

(U.S. Weekly Averages as of April 11, 2008) 

By comparison the June, 2007 rate for 30 yr. fixed was 6.67%. 

Painting 101 (a brush-up)
    
Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home will prolong its life, help preserve its value, and revive its curb appeal --  important additions, especially when it's time to sell.

The pros make it look easy because they've been at it for quite a while. But painting your home isn't a do-it-yourself job unless you've got the know how, the proper tools and quite a bit of time on your hands.

When hiring a professional ask relatives, friends, co-workers and others you trust -- and who've recently enjoyed a successful paint job on their home -- for references to qualified home painters in your area. 

Generally, painters specialize in either exterior or interior work. Some are accomplished in both. Regardless of the professional you select, it's a good idea to stay involved in color and finish selections.  These basic tips should help.

Choose the right paint. Oil-based paint is best when painting over old oil-based paint, chalky surfaces or for painting when it's below 50 degrees F. Otherwise, acrylic latex is suitable.

Choose the right sheen. Glossy, semi-gloss or flat. Glossy paints are more likely to show imperfections, brush strokes and touch ups, but the surfaces are easier to clean. Many homeowners use flat paint for walls and semi-gloss or glossy paint for columns, railings and window sashes.

Choose the right color scheme. Many homes are painted in three colors or shades of the same color: one for the siding or walls, another for the eaves, moldings and trim, and a third for doors, railings, and window sashes. However, when you consider the architecture you may need a bigger palette.

While Georgian or Colonial styles are better suited for two or three colors some grand Victorians can live with as many as five to six color schemes.

A historic property or a property with certain covenants or overseen by a homeowner association could restrict what colors you can choose.

Likewise, consider your surroundings. You don't want to use the same colors as the house next door, but you also don't want your home to clash with it.

Your home's materials may also dictate the colors you choose. Wood, brick, masonry or aluminum siding can be painted virtually any color. Vinyl siding, however, is best painted a similar hue, unless you choose a color in a newer paint formulated for vinyl.

Finally, consider how the colors you choose will mesh -- or not -- with other colors on or near your home that won't be painted including the roof, wood, masonry, or stone components and other elements. 

Consider color characteristics. Light colors make your house appear larger. Dark siding or dark bands of trim will "shrink" your home and draw more attention to details.

Fading is more obvious with intense colors. After a few years hot reds and vivid blues become more subdued. Dark colors will require extra maintenance and touch up work. They also absorb heat and suffer more moisture problems than lighter shades.