Why an Investment Property Should Be Your First Real Estate Purchase Not ready to buy a home for yourself but want to take advantage of great market conditions? Consider buying an investment property! It's a trend that's taking over real estate, as savvy investors look to put their money in an appreciating asset. Here are five reasons to consider it. 1. Rates are crazy low. Lower rates mean more affordable lending, or more for your money if you choose to reach higher. 2. B

2019's Hottest Home Decor By Barbara Pronin Comfort is trending for 2019, a consensus of home decorators agree, with more people seeking warm colors, intimate spaces and a casual but sophisticated lifestyle. Designers looking to pair physical coziness with emotional comfort forecast seven decor trends: Scaled down furnishings - After years of favoring large furniture and open spaces, consumers are aiming for a ‘nesting’ environment and choosing smaller pieces arranged in m

Becoming a Home Maintenance Pro: Tips for Homeowners By Dixie Somers Many homeowners don't think about home maintenance until something breaks, but that's not the best way to take care of your home. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been settled for years, it’s never too late to cultivate some home maintenance habits. Here are three tips to help you protect your investment and keep your property in good shape for years to come: Create and Follow a Home Maintenance Schedu

Smart Homes: The Way of the Future or a Risk to Homeowners? Glitches of early iterations aside, smart home technology has an increasingly active presence in the lives of homeowners who are looking for convenience and savings in a pushed-for-time era. From adaptive thermostats that automatically gauge energy usage and alter temperatures for optimal savings, to smart home speakers that use sophisticated artificial intelligence to provide services and information in real-time, a

Do You Have Home Improvement Envy? You’re Not Alone​ Have you found yourself longingly peering into the yard next door to check out their new water feature only to start drawing up the blueprints for your own a week later? If you answered yes, turns out you’re just one of the many who experience jealousy—and a little competitive drive—over others’ home improvement projects. In fact, a recent survey from The Home Depot conducted by Wakefield Research not only revealed what

Small projects with a big impact on your home. Even if you don't have the funds or the energy for a big improvement project or remodel, small changes can make your home a more enjoyable place to live, increase its value, and help you command the best possible price when you sell. Exchange light fixtures for ceiling fans. A stylish new ceiling fan instantly updates a room and can add value to your home. Choose fans that create a rustic vintage look or add a cool island vibe to

Have you fallen out of love with your home? Here are six ways to rekindle the romance: 1. Play musical chairs Rearrange the furniture. 2. Let it grow Potted plants add appeal with little maintenance. 3. Less is more Ditching clutter relieves stress. 4. Do a deep clean Scrub those baseboards, and clean those windows. 5. Make a list Decide what needs improving and prioritize your projects. 6. Give a room a mini-makeover Add new hardware to your cabinets, or pick up

A brighter home can help to create a more spacious appearance and potentially contribute to a higher resale value if you should ever put your home on the market. Here are a few easy ways to brighten up your home and let the sun shine in: Keep your windows sparkling. Deep-clean your windows and screens to make sure sunlight is able to find its way in. After removing any dust and debris from the window, spray a mixture of vinegar and water and allow it to soak in. Wipe clean wi

Weekends are meant for coaching a youth soccer team to victory, chopping your way through “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” or training for a 5K to help save the pandas — not working your way through a tedious, 30-item maintenance checklist. But then, taking care of the home you love is important, too. So how do you have your fun and keep a well-maintained home? It’s simple: Just be mindful of your home. You don’t need a rigid maintenance list. (They work best for Type A