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The housing market has hit a slump greater than anything that we’ve seen in recent history. Home prices and interest rates are hitting historic lows and, for the moment, nothing seems to be going up. From Boston to Austin, real estate is continuing to struggle. That is why, if you can afford it, this is the ideal time to buy a house.

Anytime you are considering making a real estate purchase, timing is everything. A few years ago everyone bought houses–even though there were many that couldn’t afford it–which was instrumental in the decline. Then a couple of years ago when prices were starting to drop lots of people jumped to buy before the prices went back up, which they didn’t. Now house prices are phenomenally low and many who didn’t think buying a house would ever be feasible are reconsidering.

Deciding on the right time to buy is a personal decision that every potential home-buyer needs to make. It is a combination of having the funds for a down payment, being able to pay a monthly mortgage, and finding a great deal on the house of your dreams. Sometimes one of those pieces is missing and things just don’t work out, but other times everything comes together and you will be better able to appreciate the work it took to achieve your goal.

The world of business is filled with unique back stories. While many companies were created simply to make money, others began with an idea or an invention that was meant to help one person or family and then grew into something bigger and bigger.

Take for example the modern example of baby legs . It was a spur of the moment invention of a mother who wanted to air her daughter’s diaper rash while still keeping the baby’s legs warm. The result: baby leg warmers. Of course, the original leg warmers were also a spur of the moment idea for keeping dancers’ legs warm.

An older example would be the invention of band-aids . These were created by Earle Dickson who realized that the gauze and tape his wife used to cover household cuts wouldn’t stay on during her busy day. He added a crinoline covering to not only secure the bandage, but also to keep it sterile.

Many modern internet companies were built out of a small, personal endeavor, such as a blog or newsletter to friends and family that provided such valuable information that it’s readership quickly grew — attracting subscriptions and advertising and book deals. For an example, look no further than Julie Powell who’s blog became a hit, then a book, then a popular movie, Julie & Julia.

A study by the National Association of Home Builders in 2004 indicated that new home buyers are looking for separate showers with multiple heads and temperature controls more often than they want whirlpool tubs. As a result, many existing homes are being outfitted with steam showers and other shower accessories.

Installing a steam shower has become quite affordable. For a few thousand dollars a family can have their existing shower converted into a mini-steam room. This saves water costs and adds to the home’s equity. Best of all, family members get to enjoy the relaxation and health benefits of a good steam whenever they want — all in the privacy of their own home.

In order to convert or install a steam shower, bathrooms need to have a closet or other area nearby that can be turned into a home for the steam generator. The shower head will have to be installed and attached to the steam generator and a new control panel will also be added. Lastly, the entire shower stall will have to be sealed so that moisture doesn’t escape and cause damage to the rest of the bathroom or the structure of the house.

Home owners can customize their steam room with tile, fixtures, and add ons like massage elements and music players. These features may increase the time required for the installation and will also increase the final cost.