T H E B L O G

4 Key Home Decluttering Tips When Moving
Are you thinking of moving? It's imperative to declutter, both to show your current home in its best light, and to make your move easier - and cheaper! Here are some steps to take to make your move go smoother. Start throwing things out early. Consider space. Gather the top things to toss. Get the r

Home Improvements That Provide Value
Thinking about selling your home? Ready to tackle some projects yourself? What home improvements make the most "cents"? Here are five home improvements that will add the most value to your home. 1. Create Curb Appeal. We've all heard it. First impressions are lasting impressions, so up your curb

Freshen Up Your Backyard Style
There's nothing better than spending time outdoors to connect with nature and feel a sense of peaceand wellness in your own backyard. Outdoor spaces can offer a natural and private place to practice yoga, read or meditate. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces anxiety, relieves stre

Are You Tired of Minimalist Design? Go Maximilist!
Forget minimalism. Make a bold statement and show your personality! Maximalist design is a bold, expressive style that embraces lavish colors, patterns, textures and decorative elements to create visually vibrant spaces. It's all about creating a sense of luxury, personality and eclecticism. Here

It's (Kitchen) Island Time!
You may not be ready or able to head off on an island vacation, but you can turn your kitchen into a cooking paradise! Kitchen islands are a great way to add storage, counter space, meal prep areas and seating to a kitchen. An island is also an opportunity to make a statement, and add contrast to o

What's Up On The Roof? Comparing Roof Materials & Styles for Your Home
Explore popular roofing materials along with their costs, durability, and style options to find the perfect fit for your home.

Appraisal? What's An Appraisal?
Let's face it, buying and selling a home has a language of its own! So just what is an appraisal? Isn't it the same as the assessed value of a home? No. The assessment is the value the city or town puts on a property. It's somewhat arbitrary, based on factors including the municipality's budget - ho

Preparing Your Home For Sale - Don't Forget the Bathroom!
You're getting ready to sell your home - and there's so much to do! You want to get it in tip-top shape so it will look its best when it hits the market. Most people focus on the kitchen, flooring and paint. But don't forget the bathroom! There are many little things that might look like big ugly th

What Is a VA Loan?
If you're a Veteran you may know that a VA loan is a benefit you're entitled to. But many sellers may not have heard of the loan program. A VA loan features a variety of advantages compared with conventional loans, including limited fees and as little as a $0 down payment. This is a big advantage in

Avoid These Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes
Are you thinking about remodeling your kitchen to make it a funtional and stylish space? Be sure to plan carefully to avoid mistakes that can lead to an expensive and unsatisfactory outcome. Taking the time to research design options, set a realistic budget, and consult with professionals can help e

What's New Underfoot?
There are so many choices in flooring these days, from vinyl tile to hardwood to carpeting and every option in between. Nobody, and no home, is the same so there are a number of factors to consider when deciding on new flooring. Some of the most important factors to consider are durability, cost, lo

Cool Winter Color Schemes - All Year Round!
Winter means different things to different people, but no matter where you live, you can bring the feeling of winter into your home. No, not the feeling of cold! The festive feeling that comes with the shades of winter.Here are some tips for decorating with a winter color scheme. Use Cool Colors Wit

Is the Open Shelving Look for You?
Open shelving is as popular for its versatility and ability to adapt to any kitchen style. It offers easy access to frequently used kitchen items and provides a place for displaying decorative items such as baskets, plates, and cookbooks that add a pop of personality to your kitchen. Open Door Polic

Window Design Trends
Winter is headed our way - are you feeling cold air coming through your windows? It may be time to replace them, or at least get ready to replace them in the spring! It is estimated that 30% of a home’s heat goes out the windows. There are also other reasons your windows may need replacement. Here’s

Garage Doors Are No Longer An Afterthought!
How many times have you heard people agonizing over the style, material and color of their front door? Is red still in? Is yellow the new color? While a home’s decorative front doors attract most of the attention, garage doors are often ignored. Afterall, they're "just garage doors." These days, how

Keep Your Fridge Neat and Organized
Do you - or another family member - spend too much time trying to find things in your refrigerator? Are condiments found everywhere? Are you creating a breeding ground for unintended science experiments with forgotten food? Getting into a routine with better refrigerator organization can help you st

Freshen Up With Paint
Now that we've turned the clocks back and winter is just around the corner, it's a great time to think about painting rooms in your house! Paint can give your home a personality - or make a room more relaxing. Experts say different shades of the same color, such as a tone-on-tone look of creams and

Make Your Home A Smart Home
Equipping your house with smart technology for lighting, HVAC and electronic appliances has not only become a trend in recent years, it makes life more convenient and provides energy efficiency. Here are some tips on how to begin making your home smarter. Add smart LED bulbs to lamps and light socke

Unveiling Autumn's Secret: Why Fall is a Prime Season to Buy a Home
Unveiling Autumn's Secret: Why Fall is a Prime Season to Buy a Home There's something magical about autumn – the crisp air, the radiant foliage forming a kohl around Mother Nature's eyes, and the promise of new beginnings. Fall not only brings about a change in the weather but also ushers in a flurr

Shop Sustainably - and Save
When it comes to buying, storing and preparing food, acting in a sustainable manner helps reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy and reduce waste. Here are some ways you can make a difference. Shop. Before you get your groceries, plan meals and create a list to help focus on the items you need. Ch

