Summer is a fun season to enjoy time outside with friends and family -- provided you have sufficient coverage from the sun. Stay cool and comfortable by adding shade to your yard or patio with the ideas below. Overhead Hangs for the Patio One popular way to create shade is to string up outdoor fabric and make a retractable awning or canopy. … [Read more...]
Staging Tips for a Quick Home Sale
In real estate, staging a home and selling a home often go hand in hand. Though the process can be involved, the results are indisputable. Need some help executing an effective home staging? Browse this list of resources to help you dazzle prospective buyers and increase your chances of a quick home sale. Clear Clutter Not only will … [Read more...]
Making the Most of a Bathroom Remodel
Do you want to improve the aesthetics of your bathroom? Before you disrupt your household with the hassle of a remodel, make sure you're prepared. Familiarize yourself with this cost and ROI overview to help guide the planning process. What Does This Type of Remodel Cost? The first step to organizing a bathroom remodeling project is setting a … [Read more...]
4 Home Projects That Add Instant Value
Do you have a list of changes you'd like to make to your home this year? Completing cosmetic updates is easiest when the weather's in your favor. In honor of May's National Home Improvement Month, here are four upgrades ranging from curb appeal projects to large-scale expansions that often yield high returns. Replacing doors and windows: … [Read more...]
6 Top Trends Hitting Home Design
Whether you're a prospective seller or a longtime homeowner, revamping your space may be on your to-do list. Before you begin, preview these design trends and learn how to make them your own. Quick Decorating Touches Add the latest color. From deep emerald to the lime hue of Greenery (the Pantone Color of the Year), verdant shades are instant … [Read more...]
How the Right Words Can Help Sell a Home
House and neighborhood characteristics can positively influence the sale of your home, but what about the words used in the listing? The right turn of phrase could help your property sell quickly, but choose less descriptive terms and you may find it on the market indefinitely. Write an effective listing with the following tips: Choose Your … [Read more...]
4 Famous American Estates That Inspire
It's never too early to dream up your next vacation. Whether you're interested in a fun, educational destination or you're on the hunt for home inspiration, visiting these famous estates may pique your imagination. Architectural Icon A tour through the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio just outside of Chicago is like peering into the creative … [Read more...]
Essential Checklists for Homebuying and Selling
Spring has sprung, which means the housing market is in full bloom. Each year, roughly 40 percent of real estate transactions occur between the months of May and August. If you're feeling inspired to buy or sell a home soon, make sure you're prepared. Use these checklists to catch anything you may have missed. When You're Ready to Buy a … [Read more...]
Urban Homesteading: 3 Ways to Produce Your Own Food
From backyard and rooftop gardens to community plots in parks and vacant lots, urban agriculture has become a nationwide movement, and more homeowners have taken an interest in producing their own food. For many urban homesteaders, it stems from a desire to know where their food comes from and live more sustainably. Are you interested in … [Read more...]
6 Ways Real Estate Agents Add Value in a Home Sale
Just because you can buy and sell property on your own, it doesn't mean you should. Real estate agents remain essential when making these pivotal financial transactions. There are many ways agents add value during the purchase or sale of a home: Handle the technical nuances -- Whether you're the buyer or the seller, a home sale includes a … [Read more...]