S.E. Smith

S.E. Smith

S.E. Smith is a writer, agitator, and commentator based in Northern California, with a journalistic focus on social issues, particularly gender, prison reform, disability rights, environmental justice, queerness, class, and the intersections thereof, with a special interest in rural subjects. International publication credits include work for the Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian, and AlterNet, among many other news outlets and magazines. Assisted by cats Loki and Leila, smith lives in Fort Bragg, California.

Photo of a construction engineer bu akurtz/istockphoto.com.

Guidelines for Choosing a Contractor

Posted by S.E. Smith | Dec 13, 2012

Professional, experienced contractors can complete home improvement projects more safely, efficiently, and appropriately than you can in some cases—and in others, you might just...

With the help of the Internet, you can research real estate comps on your own. (Photo: jhorrocks/istockphoto.com)

How to Research Real Estate Comps

Posted by S.E. Smith | Dec 10, 2012

Comparable properties, AKA “comps,” are a key tool for real estate brokers and property owners preparing to list a house or business for sale. These data show what similar...

You've renovated and cared for your rental property, and now your friends want YOU to be their landlord. See what problems could arise. (Photo: istockphoto.com)

Should you rent to friends?

Posted by S.E. Smith | Dec 06, 2012

Landlords are often faced with friends interested in renting their properties, which can create a potentially delicate social situation. Friendships and business do not always mix well,...

Earthquake damage in Japan. (Image: Wikimedia)

Why and How to Use Earthquake Straps

Posted by S.E. Smith | Nov 16, 2012

Earthquake straps are a must-have if you live anywhere prone to geological activity. They’ll hold heavy items of furniture in place during an earthquake to reduce the risk of...

An energy-efficient house in British Columbia. (Photo: pnwra/Flickr)

Tips for Buying an Energy Efficient House

Posted by S.E. Smith | Nov 14, 2012

Buying an energy efficient home can be a great investment that will save you money on energy costs in the long term in addition to increasing the resale value of your home, when you’re...

Declutter your house to make it more attractive to buyers. (Photo: jefferson noguera/sxc.hu)

Decluttering to Sell Your House

Posted by S.E. Smith | Nov 13, 2012

Decluttering shows your home to best advantage, which can make for a faster sale and a higher sales price. It can also be a great way to organize your life as you get ready to move,...

Flooding in Minot, ND. (Photo: dvidshub/Flickr)

Flood Abatement 101

Posted by S.E. Smith | Nov 05, 2012

Flood damage can have devastating and fast-acting effects on the structure of a home. Time is of the essence; prompt response is critical to address damage and minimize the risk of...

A worker pumps water out of a subway line near Wall St. in lower Manhattan. Photo: WarmSleepy/Flickr

What Salt Water Does to Houses

Posted by S.E. Smith | Nov 01, 2012

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many people have flood damage on their minds. Hurricanes come with an extra complication that makes flood damage potentially more dangerous, more expensive,...

Do you want to buy this house on the Oregon Coast? I do, too. But in order to do it, you'll need a real estate agent. (Photo: Gold Beach Real Estate/Flickr)

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

Posted by S.E. Smith | Oct 23, 2012

Choosing the right real estate agent, whether you are buying or selling a home, is essential. Different brokers have their own strengths and weaknesses, and you want the best representative...

Beans are music, magical and good for so much more than eating. Photo by s.e. smith.

Clever Uses for Dried Beans

Posted by S.E. Smith | Oct 17, 2012

At the supermarket, you may pass by dried beans without a thought, whether they're pre-bagged and ready for sale or in the bulk section, but it's worth taking a second look. Dry beans...