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 Credits:Guest bloggerSarah Velasquez of Our Perfect Abode Are you a homeowner who is ready to take on a home renovation project? If so, it’s important to be aware of the basic steps that should be taken before starting any type of home remodeling. From understanding the types of home renovations to knowing how to budget wisely, this guide will help you understand the basics of home renovations and ensure that …

A new year brings with it the opportunity for new experiences. If that resonates with you because you’re considering making a move, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement over your next home and a sense of attachment to your current one. A great way to ease some of those emotions and ensure you’re feeling confident in your decision is to keep these three best practices in mind. 1. Price …

If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But before you dive too deeply into your options, it helps to understand the true costs of renting moving forward.

If your home environment is triggering a case of the blahs, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never be able to afford the redesign or remodel that will make your home current and stylish again. Reviving your home decor can be done affordably and quickly, however, with a few strategic DIY fixes. Try one of these seemingly small ideas and you’ll be amazed at the difference it will make. Add …

Whether you just moved into a new home or you’re looking to update a room or two, paint is often your first and best option for making a strong style statement. But redoing a room with paint is not as simple as choosing a color. There are many factors to consider in order to ensure your paint job doesn’t go awry. Here, designers weigh in on what not to …

With homeowners across the country feeling the pinch of inflation, there’s no better time than now to take steps to reduce your electricity bill. When it comes to saving money on energy costs, it’s all about the small steps we tend to avoid, assuming they won’t make much of a difference. In this case, however, seemingly minor measures add up and result in significant savings. Try these ideas from …

It’s that time of the year when paint companies and color experts weigh in with their top color pick for the new year. And for Benjamin Moore, that color marks a bold departure from recent years.While for 2022 Benjamin Moore selected a soothing, muted shade of sage green, October Mist, this year’s color hails from the high-energy realm. Raspberry Blush is a vibrant, attention-getting shade of red-orange that will …

While the current inflationary state of the economy is posing new challenges for homebuyers, there are several important, positive side effects to keep in mind if you’re considering purchasing a new home in the near future. According to realtor.com’s recent 2023 Housing Forecast, while home prices are not expected to dip much further (good news if you’re thinking about selling), there will be a benefit to buyers in most …

Changing your decor for the season can be an excellent way to ensure your home is welcoming all year round. It can also allow you a change from your regular decor, ensuring you never get bored with your space. This winter, follow these style rules to ensure your seasonal decorating goes off without a hitch.Holiday Decor TimingThe timing of holiday decor can be a hot-button topic. Family members and …

Cleaning your appliances is key to ensuring they perform at their best and last for years to come. These tips can help you maintain your appliances and keep them grime-free–inside and out.RefrigeratorYour refrigerator isn’t hard to maintain, but without the proper care, you could find yourself reducing its longevity. Your fridge has a few main areas of concern when it comes to cleaning.Exterior: Many modern appliances have a stainless …

Our homes tell stories that words can’t. They hold all our memories: great, and not so great. They are a place of comfort, warmth, and sanctuary. Maintaining this special space shouldn’t break the bank. Check out these five budget friendly home improvement ideas to help you keep your sanctuary in tip top shape!Pop of ColorAdd a little brightness to your home with a fresh coat of paint. Touch up …

An open concept space is airy and bright and is excellent for entertaining, gathering together as a family and being in the same area when you’re cooking and the rest of the family is playing, doing homework, or lounging. However, if you’re craving more privacy, quiet space, or even more defined areas, there are ways to divide your open concept without facing an entire construction project. Read on for …

Painting kitchen and bath cabinets a fresh, new color can give your home the much-needed update it desires for only a few hundred dollars. Make the job simple by using these guidelines to produce a smooth-to-the-touch finish without streaks, wavy lines or drips. According to HomeDepot.com, the type of paint you buy will depend on what materials the cabinets are made of. Wood or compressed wood can be sanded, …

You and your siblings are notified by the executor of an estate that you’ve jointly inherited a house. According to TrustandWill.com, the executor provides the probate court with a death certificate, trust documents, the estate plan and inventory of the estate’s assets and debts. Have a meeting with the other inheritors and determine a course of action. Unless otherwise stated in the will, each of you should have an equal …

 As much as you’d like to rely on the professionalism of remodeling contractors (or yourself if you’re DIYing the renovation your home) the most important thing to be done is to keep the work site as dust-free and clean as possible. Dust is one of the biggest dangers to the health of people and pets during a remodeling project. According to Buildclean.com, dust can include harmful substances such as …

 Scammers look for opportunities to trick unsuspecting people into handing over their money. If you’re planning to buy a house, you should be aware of the risk of mortgage wire fraud.How the Scam WorksMortgage wire fraud is a complex scheme that’s carried out over a period of time. Someone can use a phishing email to gain access to an email account belonging to a real estate agent or a …

 A disability can make it difficult for you or a loved one to get around safely at home and perform regular daily activities. Some modifications can make it possible to live comfortably at home and might also save you money when you file your taxes. Types of Home Improvements That Might Reduce Your Tax BillThe Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers to deduct expenses or receive tax credits for home upgrades …

When shadows creep in the dead of night, you want your fright to be real. This season, ensure that Halloween goes on without a hitch by keeping your home safe for guests. These Halloween prep ideas will guarantee fun and make sure everyone is safe in the process.Light Up the Front DoorThe front door is where the magic happens on Halloween night, so make sure it is fully (and …

Food waste occurs at every step along the food chain, from production and processing to retail distribution as well as at the consumer level. In fact, it’s estimated that fully a third of the world’s food is thrown away and sent to landfills, where it rots and produces methane gas, the second most common greenhouse gas and a huge contributor to climate change. Here are some ways you can …

Whether you fancy yourself a chef, cook for a family or are simply tired of take-out, there is no better time than now to take some cues from the experts to cut the cost of cooking and make you more of a master in the kitchen.Embrace ‘Mise en Place’ – It’s a French term meaning, ‘everything in place.’ A big mistake many home cooks make is to start a …

A home inspection evaluates a property from top to bottom. It assesses the condition of the physical structure, factoring in the foundation, roof and everything in between. An inspector should discover any areas of concern and identify the necessary repairs, so you can be aware of any potential issues that can impact the value or sale of the home. Read on for everything to know about the home inspection …

Deciding to move or renovate is a decision many homeowners face. As families and lifestyles grow and change, choosing whether to adjust your existing space to fit your lifestyle or move into a new house that already accommodates your needs can be complicated. If you’re faced with this decision, read on to determine best if you should renovate or buy a new home.Initial Questions to ConsiderWhether you remodel or …

When you walk into certain homes, they can feel extra luxe. It may not be the largest house, but it could have something special you can’t put your finger on. If you want to bring that luxurious feeling into your home, some insider tips can help you achieve that. Read on for the secrets to make your home feel extra luxurious. Pay Attention to ScaleEnsuring your furniture, art and rugs …

As the sun sets on the summer season, it’s time to start preparing for back to school. Shopping lists must be bought, and last minute summer assignments must be tackled. After a summer of high energy and adventure, it’s easy to feel the weight of your kid’s absence once they finally return to the classroom. Try out these activities and ideas to fight the back to school blues and fill …

Homebuyers could soon catch a break in this hot seller’s market. Sellers lowered prices and housing inventory grew after the average 30 year, fixed-rate mortgage passed 5% last week. Specifically, for the four weeks ending April 3, sellers dropped their asking prices about 12% on new homes. Based on recent data, that’s an increase of 9% compared to this time last year. New listings also rose 8% year over …