Curling up in front of the fireplace has long been a source of warmth and comfort as Old Man Winter tries to break us down with bitter cold temperatures, mind-numbingly harsh winds and inclement weather. But like everything else in the home, the beloved fireplace of yesteryear (aka the simple brick cutout with a mesh screen positioned just so) has become just another...
While I painfully preach advance planning and preparation to my sons, I was actually the kid in school who waited until the last minute to cram for tests and was up until 5 a.m. banging out term papers due later that morning. Even right now, I’ve waited until the last possible minute to finish this blog—the RISMedia holiday party kicks off in 45 minutes and trust...
Let’s face it: We all know moving is a pain. And according to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average move in the U.S. costs a shocking $5,630. Of course, costs will vary greatly upon family size, house size and location. However, it's safe to say that moving is often more expensive than expected. This brings many to the question: should you...
After a few years under the social limelight, parties all start tasting the same. We wait all year for Halloween or Christmas so we can finally spice things up. Unfortunately, even those end up being all the same. But what if I told you Harry Potter parties can be a thing. Year round. For realsies. It’s always a great time to not be a muggle. The only thing better...
Anyone financing a home purchase knows that the bank wants to see adequate insurance on its collateral. Of course, what is sufficient for a lender may not be sufficient for the owner. Myriad homeowners policies contain a sea of coverage and exemptions which are sometimes difficult for policyholders to comprehend. If an improvement is made to the structure or a major...
By Jonathan Deesing Have you ever wondered what goes on at your home while you’re at work all day? Or wished you could remember whether you turned out the light before you left in the morning? If you’ve got a busy schedule that keeps you out of the house, it’s easy to feel out of touch with the security and well-being of your humble abode. That’s why hooking...
By Matt Parker Despite the fact that most shy away from listing their home during the holidays, it’s actually a great time to sell your home. Below are reasons you should deck your halls—and then sell them. Time off. The holidays are a great time to sell! There can be people relocating before the New Year, or people who have time off to shop for a home. Weather....
An outdoor kitchen. Double sinks in the master bath. A wrap-around porch. Solar panels. There are just so many things we want our new home to have. However, when shopping for our dream home, it’s essential to steer the dream a little bit more toward reality. No home will have every single feature you desire, so before you set out on the search, sit down and think...
Many people are interested to know what kind of return on investment they can expect when upgrading certain items in their homes and which items they should prioritize first. This is especially relevant when selling their home or investment property. When it comes to house sales and particular rooms, the kitchen is often the room that will make or break a sale. Kitchen...
Many homeowners find the holidays to be a difficult time of year. To ensure that your holidays are as enjoyable as possible, be sure to get your home ready to face this festive season. Here are a few tips to prepare your home for the holiday hustle: Create a Master To-Do List Set aside an evening before the start of the holiday season to create a master to-do...
