METRO DETROIT — With summer and warmer temperatures just around the corner, many people are turning to their air conditioners to stay comfortable. But in conjunction with the increased use of energy, it isn’t uncommon for residents to see a spike in their utility bills.

METRO DETROIT — Whether someone is a newbie or a veteran, master gardener Mil Hurley — owner of the Grosse Pointe Farms-based business, A Southern Gardener — believes anyone can create a garden of which they’re proud.

METRO DETROIT — Spring has sprung, and it’s now time to clean out the garage or the basement, or perhaps revamp the kitchen or redecorate the bedroom.

METRO DETROIT — When a friend recently visited Heather Vercellino’s historic home in Detroit, she told her she felt like the living room was giving her a hug.

METRO DETROIT — Unwanted noise can come from all different directions, whether it is from the road, airplanes or neighbors’ parties.

METRO DETROIT — The spring season is a safe haven for Michiganders. It’s not only a prequel to the beautiful summer months, but it’s also a season people tend to look forward to as soon as the rainfall and cold fronts of September come around.

METRO DETROIT — After a long winter full of snow and ice, spring annually brings new challenges in the form of storm emergencies, specifically thunderstorms and tornadoes.

METRO DETROIT — April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring severe issues for homeowners.

METRO DETROIT — Even though recent weather has seen its share of snow and ice, many gardeners are wasting no time with starting to plant seeds indoors with the intention of taking them outside once the weather warms up.

METRO DETROIT — Anyone with a family member who owned property in northern Michigan can recall the memory of weekend trips Up North to the cottage or the lake house.

OAKLAND COUNTY — A federal appellate court has sided with several homeowners who filed a lawsuit against Oakland County, its former treasurer, the city of Southfield, several city officials, and others after their homes — worth far more than the taxes owed — were taken by the county without refunding them for the difference in home equity.

METRO DETROIT — For those in the market to purchase a home, one of the most important parts of the process is determining what they can afford to pay as a monthly mortgage payment.

METRO DETROIT — With the snowstorms or even the moderate snowfalls that we often get in Michigan comes a risk of death or severe injuries by shoveling snow.

METRO DETROIT — A simple test, available at a discount from local county health divisions this month, can help residents check their homes for a nearly undetectable health hazard.

METRO DETROIT — The winter in metro Detroit can be rough at times, especially when it comes to freezing temperatures.

METRO DETROIT — With temperatures plunging, experts are reminding pet owners to be careful when taking their four-legged friends outside.

METRO DETROIT — Anyone who enjoys Christmas music probably has a favorite yuletide CD or two to play when decking the halls during the holiday season.

METRO DETROIT — Interior design is always changing. One day, light matte paints and velvets are in, and the next day, it is high gloss and linens that take center stage.

METRO DETROIT — Decorating one’s home for the holidays is a time-honored tradition that has become even grander of an exhibition throughout the years. However, as the decorating becomes more elaborate, the expense of doing so also continues to rise.

METRO DETROIT — It seems like a long time ago that mortgage rates were extremely low.