Since the Flintstones era, humans have gravitated towards fire. There’s something innate about lounging around a blaze with family or friends, barbecuing up whatever meaty goodness you scored at Costco. It’s understandable why homeowners today desire some sort of fire element in their backyards. It’s practically instinct. With countless design options available,...
Deciding to sell your house is a big step for most people, especially if you have never done it before. You may need to move for a job, or you may need to upgrade because you are starting a family. Whatever your reasons, you need to find a real estate agent to help you through the process. Picking your first real estate agent is almost as big of a decision as your...
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but when it comes to real estate, they may be worth a lot more. “Because so many buyers do the 20 second ‘yes or no’ to homes as if they’re looking for their next mate on a dating website, sellers need to recognize that how they present their home is of utmost importance,” says Rhonda Duffy, a top listing agent...
Even when a move goes off without a hitch, it can still be one of life’s most stressful events. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a case of identity theft just as you’re settling into your new home. Unfortunately, moving can put a big target on your back for identity thieves. “Transporting documents and electronic devices that contain sensitive...
Rumors are spiraling like crazy over Apple's impending iPhone 6 announcement next week. Will it have a better camera? Larger screen? Improved Siri functionality? Water-proof? Solve world hunger? (OK, maybe not that last one...) As we get closer and closer to welcoming a newer and more improved iPhone, it's always great to take a look back and see how far we've come. This...
With the market making a comeback, and more millennials leading the way in the house hunt, we are seeing a shift in personal values making an impact on the future of housing. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, first-time buyers accounted for 29 percent of purchases last year, and these first-time buyers are not honeymooners or the bleary-eyed new...
This week’s #TBT is Grandma Maxine’s wallpaper collection. Yes, my dear grandmother really collected wallpaper. And not just swatches or scraps here and there – I mean rolls and rolls of the stuff. Occasionally she’d scrapbook with it, but for the most part, it remained untouched. Until, that is, she gave them to me. I’m not a designer, nor a wallpaper installer....
In not so surprising news, the concept of homeownership consumes much of my day. I read numerous tips for this and advice for that, scan lists of do’s and don’ts, and peruse real estate blogs on a daily basis. I’ll admit, I haven’t crammed everything into my brain, but I have made mental notes of things that I think may affect me. And, I’ve locked away enough...
Looking for a new home can be a pretty exciting task. With that much money on the line, it's worthwhile to read up on the process before you set out. Unnecessary mistakes can and should be avoided while trying to get the best deal for your money. As a first-time homebuyer, proper guidance from seasoned professionals can make all the difference. Here are a few tips...
Summer is still alive and kicking, and for most regions of the country that means plenty more of hours poolside lounging. So I will revisit the often discussed subject of safety - specifically, preventing household tragedies involving children and pools. Kids Health - a project of The Nemours Foundation - provides a comprehensive punchlist to help maintain a kid-safe...
