Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Millionaire Hiroshi Horiike, who bought a four-bedroom, six-bath Tuscan-style mansion in Malibu, California, talks with Bloomberg's John Gittelsohn about his decision to sue Coldwell Banker and the seller's agent after discovering that his home had a third less living space than he'd been told. Both Horiike's broker and the seller's agent worked for Coldwell Banker. Horiike won an appeals court ruling that the seller's agent had a duty to protect his interests. Coldwell Banker, a unit of Realogy Holdings Corp., is asking the California Supreme Court to overturn the ruling. (Source: Bloomberg)

Millionaire Hiroshi Horiike spent two years searching California for a dream home, one grander than any he could find in his native China.

After visiting more than 80 properties in the Los Angeles area with an agent from Coldwell Banker, Horiike paid $12.25 million in cash for a four-bedroom, six-bath Tuscan-style mansion with a swimming pool, spa and guest house on 5.1 acres (2.1 hectares) overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

There was just one catch. After settling in, Horiike found the Malibu home had less living space than hed been told -- a third less. It had 9,434 square feet (876 square meters) instead of the 15,000 square feet shown in marketing brochures from the sellers agent, who also worked with Coldwell Banker.

Horiike, who also goes by his native Chinese name Peng Hong Ling after adopting a Japanese name as an adult, claimed he was cheated and sued the agent and the brokerage. He won a state appeals court ruling that sellers agents have a fiduciary duty to protect buyers interests, not just those of their clients, when theres only one brokerage involved in a deal.

If left standing, the decision could compel disclosure of confidential client information or force brokerages to drop out of transactions where they represent both buyers and sellers, threatening commissions on tens of thousands of deals.

Hiroshi Horiike at his Malibu, California, mansion with his three dogs: Shogun (the gray Weimaraner); Samurai (white Akita); Jiji (black lab). Horiike is suing Coldwell Banker because its agent marketed the house as 15,000 square feet, but it's only 10,000. Close

Hiroshi Horiike at his Malibu, California, mansion with his three dogs: Shogun (the... Read More

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Hiroshi Horiike at his Malibu, California, mansion with his three dogs: Shogun (the gray Weimaraner); Samurai (white Akita); Jiji (black lab). Horiike is suing Coldwell Banker because its agent marketed the house as 15,000 square feet, but it's only 10,000.

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Chinese Millionaire Roils Brokers Over Shrinking Mansion

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) August 13, 2014

Home improvement company, Home Exterior Systems, recently announced its new consultation service for its customers. The new feature is meant to enhance the Houston-based company's award winning service. Customers who are interested in remodeling or renovating their homes can now contact Home Exterior Systems for a free 90-minute consultation.

The new consultation services would present an opportunity for homeowners and well-trained home improvement professionals to discuss exactly what is needed. Homeowners can address concerns about durability, efficiency, and aesthetic value of their intended projects, while technicians can give advice on the best method to approach and implement home improvements.

At Home Exterior Systems, customers have a wide variety of home improvement products and services to choose from. The company provides windows and doors from manufacturers that include Amcraft, Anderson, Don Young, Pella, Home Craftsman, Simonton, and Silverline. Each product is designed for energy efficiency, insulation, prevention of air and water infiltration, weather resistance, trouble-free cleaning, and strength and security. Technicians at Home Exterior Systems can assist homeowners on architectural designs, shapes, and styles.

Home Exterior Systems is also a retailer of James Hardie lap siding, which has been the industry leader for more than a century. Protecting homes against the ravages of time and the elements, HardiePlank lap siding comes with a 30-year non-prorated and transferable limited warranty.

Home Exterior Systems is a GAF Certified Weather Stopper Roofing Contractor. Professionals from the company create Weather Watch and StormGuard leak barriers, provide quality Timberline shingles and effective attic vents from Cobra and Master Flow, and protect the roof deck from wind-driven rain with Deck-Armor. The company also installs distinctive ridge cap shingles to beautify the roof, paint accessories to blend in with its color, and install pre-cut starter strip shingles from WeatherBlocker or Pro-Start to make it easier to eliminate waste.

About Home Exterior Systems: Since 2003, Home Exterior Systems has provided the Houston metro area with a vast selection of home improvement products and services. In 2014, Home Exterior Systems won a Best of Houzz award in the Service category. The company has also won awards from Angie's List, HomeAdvisor, and the Better Business Bureau, of which it has been a member since 2005. Home Exterior Systems is headquartered at 19731 Lake Stone Court, Tomball, Texas 77377. For consultation services, homeowners can dial 281-542-9577, or by visiting http://www.homeexteriorsystems.com.

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Home Exterior Systems Announces New Consultation Services For Home Improvement

Q. Bees and wasps are making our home theirs. How do we deter them from doing this? We've had D-Bug and Terminix come to no avail.

A. Where do the insects make your home theirs? If they get inside, you need to find how they get in, and caulk and seal the entry points. If they make nests under the eaves, you can use a wasp and hornet spray that shoots 12 to 20 feet. Wait until dark when they are home sleeping and spray the nest.

If your house has large beams supporting the roof that extend beyond the walls to the eaves, this is an ideal place for insects to enter because the beams may have shrunk just enough to let them crawl in. Caulk all sides of the projecting beams where they exit the wall.

Other potential entry points include around the electric entrance cable (where they can nest inside the electric meter), a dryer, bathroom or kitchen vent, and fuel delivery pipes.

With the few details you gave me, that's the best I can do.

Q. I just recently noticed that hornets and bees have started making small nests by both corners of our garage door. The good thing is that it is toward the outer side of the garage. My husband used a broom and brushed away the nests, but just recently I've noticed that they have started all over again.

Why have they chosen that corner again and how can we permanently eradicate them?

Your helpful advice is highly appreciated.

A. I don't know why the wasps and hornets chose those corners, except perhaps that they select hidden places. They often choose spaces between structural members in roof overhangs or secluded spots in corners under a roof by a chimney, a projecting wall or any other similarly protected area.

I suggest that you buy a wasp and hornet spray and apply it to the nests in the evening when they are home. The residue will prevent new wasps from choosing the same location to build new nests.

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Seal off entry points to cut off insect invasion

BOURBON COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - On Saturday alone, lightning struck three different buildings in Bourbon County including the public library downtown.

Built in the early 1900s, the public library in Paris a staple in the city and unfortunately it was struck by lightning around 6:00 Saturday night, causing it to catch on fire.

When firefighters arrived, there were flames and smoke coming through the roof of the structure.

Firefighters say the fire started in the attic, making it difficult for crews to reach since the area was surrounded by inches of insulation and plastic wrap.

Thankfully, the library's collection of books and computers had been temporarily moved since the library is currently undergoing renovation.

"It was in the remodeling phase so there was already a lot of damage done to it already. We were just trying to save the exterior of the structure because that part will still be the main part of the library when renovation is done," said Paris Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Duffy.

Paris City Manager John Plummer says because of the fire, there's a high probability that the entire roof will have to be replaced.

No one was hurt in the fire and construction crews weren't inside when the lightning struck.

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Historic building catches fire after struck by lightning

by Jennifer Thomas

Video report by Karen Brown

Posted on July 31, 2014 at 4:06 PM

Updated yesterday at 9:38 PM

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries after responding to a fire in North Scottsdale Thursday afternoon.

Scottsdale and Phoenix fire departments were dispatched to a house fire near 117th Street and Parkview Lane at about 3 p.m.

Scottsdale Fire Department Division Chief Jay Ducote said plumbers who were working on the exterior of the home called 911 to report the fire.

"When we got in here, we couldn't see anything. We had smoke all the way to the floor," said Scottsdale Fire Capt. Sean Cooney, who was one of the first firefighters to enter the burning home.

The fire got into the wall and attic. Crews aggressively pulled ceiling in the home to prevent the fire from spreading.

"The fire started at the west end of the house and within 10 minutes it was moving across the rafters of the roof at a very quick rate," said neighbor Vic Flanigan.

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Plumbers report Scottsdale house fire; 2 firefighters injured

Maumee, Ohio (PRWEB) July 23, 2014

Fypon, a leader in the synthetic millwork industry, will launch the first-ever "National Curb Appeal Month" celebration in August of 2014.

National Curb Appeal Month is dedicated to helping homeowners focus on ways to add value and design appeal to their home's exterior. During August, Fypon will include daily curb appeal tips on their Facebook and Twitter pages along with detailed curb appeal information and color advice from national color expert Kate Smith of Sensational Color on the Fypon website.

"Realtors tell us that potential home buyers make a 'street decision' in less than 12 seconds on whether or not to view a home that's for sale," says Niki Decker, senior manager of product and marketing for Fypon. "That's a very short time to make a large impression and it all relies on the curb appeal of the house.

"Different curb appeal elements, such as well-maintained shrubbery, decorative millwork and trim, colorful plants and an appealing front entryway can have a fast, positive impact on home buyers. Even if your home is not for sale, curb appeal is important in setting a welcoming tone for your family and visitors."

ROI on Curb Appeal According to the 2014 Cost Versus Value Study conducted by Remodeling magazine*, many products added to the home have a high return-on-investment at the time of a home sale. Adding energy-efficient vinyl windows as a mid-range project to a home can have a cost recoup value of 78.7 percent while the addition of vinyl siding can have 78.2 percent recoup rate.

The same study reports that the replacement of an easy-care fiberglass entry door can have 70.8 percent of the cost recouped, while a new roof on the home has a 67.6 percent cost recoup. The study "What Today's Home Buyers Really Want" from the National Association of Home Builders** reports that the three most wanted outdoor features consumers desire for their home exteriors are lighting, a patio and a front porch.

"Whether you're adding a new component to the home's exterior or 'sprucing up' existing elements, color plays a major role in creating curb appeal," says Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color. "Adding color to the home exterior should be done in a 'top-down' approach so there's a unified flow that creates an overall pleasing impression."

Smith, who has authored the e-books "FRESH Home Exterior Colors" and "FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior," recommends that homeowners add "pops of color" to key home exterior elements.

"The front entry door, shutters and trim are the ideal locations for major color additions that complement the overall color palette of the home," says Smith. "Imagine a polymer slate roof in a blend of castle gray flowing down to red brick siding. How do you enhance the home's look? By adding a marine blue painted fiberglass front door along with low-maintenance shutters of charcoal gray, trim pieces and louvers painted in soft white.

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Fypon Launches First-Ever National Curb Appeal Month in August

ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

A family is coming together in thanks after a fire ripped through their home.

Jimbo and Kay Pace showed incredible courage as they picked through the remains of their home, which has been in their family for more than 40 years. Telling people how blessed they are.

There were no tears. In fact, Jimbo and Kay Pace had smiles for all their friends and family this morning, as they went through what is left of their home.

Is there anything left? Jimbo Pace said "We are. We are going to start over. And looking forward to it."

Kay Pace was raised in this home. Raised her two sons here. Monday morning she said they are thankful.

Kay Pace said "We do feel blessed that our whole family and our 3 dogs are safe. Just thank you to the fire department and God."

She and her husband had just a week and a half ago completed a huge remodeling of the kitchen and living room. Last night a funny odor moved throughout the house. Smoke alarms started to sound.

Jimbo Pace said "It was just a light haze in the house. So we started looking in the attic. Started looking around, and there is a room back here. When I opened the door flames just shot out."

The fire roared into the attic, and engulfed the roof quickly. The home was a total loss. But on Monday family found items that Kay called treasures.

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Family counts blessings after fire destroys home

Courtesy of Youtube/VEVO

Weird Al Yankovic, 54, has once again blown us away with his comedic genius by parodying Iggy Azaleas summer hit Fancy with his version, Handy. Pulling out all the stops, including wearing a blond wig, we cant stop watching!

Weird Al has somehow made his song Handy even catchier than Fancy and we didnt think that was possible.

Sorry Iggy, it appears that you were not fancy enough to escape Weird Als parodies. The stunning singer is in good company though because the funny man has also targeted some of musics biggest stars, includingPharrell Williams,Robin ThickeandLorde.

In the hilarious video, Al sports a mullet-esque blond wig while donning some pretty impressive handy-man attire, including a fully-loaded tool belt.

He is seen fixing everything from broken windows, doors, remodeling kitchens whatever you need, Weird Al is your go-to guy. He even has prices that cant be beat, rapping Ill beat all price quotes, my hourly rates are low.

He certainly willkeep you entertained all day!

Click here to watch the super hilarious video andkeep readingfor the full lyrics to Weird Als Handy:

First things first, Im a craftsman (craftsman) Remodelling is my only passion (its my passion) And Im the greatest in the business Want referrals, yo My clientle will bear you witness (right, right) I can help when your door jamb sticks (heh?) There is nothing in the world I cant fix (yeah) I do tiles, I do stone, I do bricks Call me, Ill come rushing over with my bag of tricks (bag of tricks) Where you go when your disposal is rusted (rusted) Termite problem making you disgusted (yuck) When your front window is busted (hey hey hey) Just one man thats always trusted

Im so handy, you already know Ill fix your plumbing when your toilets over flows Im so handy, Ill bring you up to code When your dishwashers about to explode

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Weird Al Yankovic Spoofs Iggy Azalea In New Video Handy Watch

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian jump into reality TV LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian jump into reality TV

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 8:25 PM EDT2014-07-13 00:25:15 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 7:59 PM EDT2014-07-12 23:59:21 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 7:30 PM EDT2014-07-12 23:30:01 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 6:17 PM EDT2014-07-12 22:17:10 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 5:59 PM EDT2014-07-12 21:59:11 GMT

Officials said a fire broke out in the attic of a home Thursday evening in Hamilton that was in a middle of remodeling.

Firefighters were dispatched at about 8:15 p.m. to a two-story home in the 1100 block of Azel Avenue. The first arriving fire crews found heavy smoke on the second floor as they pulled the attic access stairs down to reveal the fire, officials said.

Hamilton firefighters were able to contain the fire to the attic space and very little damage was done in the rest of the home.

The resident was working in the garage at the time and saw smoke, officials said. Authorities said the home was in the final phase of a total remodel.

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Fire damages Hamilton house being remodeled

By YURAS KARMANAU and PETER LEONARD Associated Press

DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) - Ukraine's president vowed vengeance in blood after 19 troops were killed in an insurgent rocket attack Friday, and residents of the rebel-held city of Donetsk began fleeing in large numbers for fear of a government siege.

The barrage of rocket fire just before sunrise at a base near the Russian border was a devastating setback for government forces, who had seemingly gained the upper hand last weekend when they pushed the pro-Russian fighters out of their stronghold city of Slovyansk. In addition to those killed, 93 soldiers were wounded, the Defense Ministry said.

"For every life of our soldiers, the militants will pay with tens and hundreds of their own," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko warned. "Not one terrorist will evade responsibility. Everybody will get what is coming to them."

Ukrainian government troops have been fighting for more than three months against separatists in eastern Ukraine, and in the last two weeks, they have cut the territory held by the rebels in half. Driven from Slovyansk, the rebels have regrouped in Donetsk, an industrial city of 1 million, and Ukraine has said it will cordon off the area.

In anticipation of a siege, leaders of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic announced they will evacuate entire neighborhoods. Many residents have rushed to pack up and leave for fear of getting caught in the cross-fire, given the insurgents' strategy of using residential areas for cover.

"The militia has begun blowing up roads, so I want to get out while there is still time. I don't want to turn into a living shield for the militants," said 56-year old businessman Andrei Koziyatko.

High-end shops are boarded up, and many other businesses, including insurance companies, real estate offices, beauty salons and notaries, have closed their doors. "For sale" and "For rent" signs abound where there were none a few weeks earlier. Property values have collapsed, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center now selling for $15,000, or one-third of what they cost before.

Estimates of how many people have left vary. The mayor's office said 30,000. Donetsk People's Republic prime minister Alexander Boroday put the number at 70,000 and rising.

At the Donetsk train station, people waited in long lines at the ticket office. Four trains a day go to the capital, Kiev, and three others travel in the opposite direction, to the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

Originally posted here:
19 Ukraine servicemen killed in rocket attack