By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Inside, the house was completely restored, a 1910 charmer with three bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. Outside, there was nothing inviting about the aluminum and frosted glass windows that enclosed the porch. The property sat on the market for seven months, with little buyer interest. Finally, the sellers’ agent . . .

By Leslie Mann, SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

Attention home builders: Sixty-two percent of households have at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Half of them consider their pets “just as much a part of the family” as others in the household, according to a 2009 Roper poll. So including pet-friendly home features . . .

Tip: As the seasons begin to change, try decorating for fall instead of Halloween and Thanksgiving specifically. Using a more general theme of fall leaves, pumpkins (no faces), orange, gold, and brown palettes, your decor can last from now until the end of November.

Skip the jack-o-lanterns . . .

ECO by Consentino is a great option for a green countertop material made of recycled material. Visit www.ecobyconsentino.com