By Terri Engels The smart home revolution has led to some mind-boggling advances to our daily routine. From brewing a world-class cup of coffee from your smart phone to streaming your favorite Spotify playlist through a lightbulb in the kitchen, it seems there’s no end to the daily life hacks now available to us. However, it’s not just humans that are benefiting...
Here’s a mind-blowing stat: In 2014, American adults collectively spent more than 2.3 billion minutes on lawn care and gardening. Many of the millions of Americans who do yardwork don’t mind putting in that time, though. An online poll commissioned in 2015 by the National Association of Landscape Professionals found that 75 percent of U.S. adults think it’s...
Moving can present an exciting opportunity, but if you’re a pet owner and a renter, the normal chaos of packing up could be accompanied with stress over how to handle the damage your pet has done to the property over time. As you notice each thing your furry family member has been responsible for, you might get a sinking feeling there’s no way you’ll get your...
By Anita Alvarez Warming temperatures, rainy days, sunny skies – these are just some of the signs that spring is here. While your lawn probably maintains its dingy brown winter look, soon, it will be blossoming with the rest of the flowers, shrubs and trees – but only if you provide the right care for it now. Set aside a few hours to maintain your lawn and you’ll...
About 5 percent of the adult population in the U.S.—or about one in 20 people—are millionaires. Entrepreneur and investor John Rampton is one of them. Rampton, who achieved millionaire status early in life, has made some savvy decisions along the way. As he recently told Inc. Magazine, he credits these eight frugal habits for helping him achieve and maintain his...
Homeowners continue to cook up outdoor kitchens that in some cases rival their indoor counterparts. Yet some experts insist the popularity of outdoor kitchens has boiled over. Belgard, a maker of outdoor living products, says souped-up outdoor kitchens include professional-grade appliances (particularly refrigerators and dishwashers), numerous cooking surfaces, bar-style...
By Yuka Kato Spring is not only the best time of year to give your home a good cleaning, it’s also the best time of year to take on several home improvement projects. Spring projects like these can improve your home’s looks and performance, and rarely cost more than $1,000 TWEET, so you can easily take...
By Lauren Topor Buying a new home is an exciting time. Although you may be busy planning new projects, picking out paint colors and decorating your new space, there are a few essential maintenance measures you should be doing, too. Seal up Your Windows This simple project can save you heaps of money on your energy bill. If you’ve noticed chilly spots near windows...
Research has shown that homes situated near a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods see significant increases in value. Can big-box retailers have a similar effect? According to an analysis by housing data leader RealtyTrac®, homes near a Target store see higher home value and appreciation than those near Walmart—but homeowners near Target pay higher property taxes. Of...
Photo Credit When you sell homes every day, no one needs to tell you what a bonus green energy-saving items are. Everyone is concerned with maximizing energy efficiency, both to save costs and to minimize environmental concerns. Adding solar energy to a home is a great way to do both. Solar panels can cut down on the carbon dioxide a home uses by nearly 36,000 pounds...
