Around The Home

11

Apr

Around The Home

Small Repairs That Can Raise Your Sales Price

If you're actively preparing to list your home for sale, resist the temptation to make major home improvements. Focus on minor projects instead for a better return on your time and money. It's the smaller projects that tend to have a bigger, long-term payoff. So, how do you determine which projects are the "smaller ones"? It's obvious when you think like a buyer. Consider: Home buyers don't always notice when your home is in working order. In fact, they expect it to be that way. What they do notice, however, is when things are "broken". When a buyer sees torn screens…

30

Jan

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

The Truth About Solar Panels, Savings, and Debunking Myths

In recent years, solar panels have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to power generation. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the adoption of solar energy has gained momentum. Beyond its positive impact on the environment, many individuals and businesses are also drawn to the potential savings associated with solar panel installations. However, amidst the growing popularity of solar energy, several myths and misconceptions persist. The Economic Benefits of Solar Panels Long-Term Cost Savings: One of the primary attractions of solar panels is the promise of long-term cost savings on electricity bills.…

21

Dec

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

4 Common Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Investing in your home by remodeling or renovating is an excellent way to increase its value. However, a significant renovation project can quickly turn into a disaster, especially for those who are inexperienced. Let's take a look at four of the more common home renovation mistakes that homeowners make and how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: Skipping The Permit Process The first mistake you will want to avoid is undertaking any home renovation without the required permits. While some remodeling projects will not require a permit, others will. Regardless, it is more than worth taking the time to do…

14

Dec

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Appliance Therapy: What to Do If Your Dishwasher Is Terrible at Cleaning Your Dishes

As kitchen appliances go, there are few loved more than the dishwasher. They can be a major time saver – that is if your dishes are coming out clean. Let's take a quick look at a few steps you can take if your dishwasher is not doing its job. Give It A Good Cleaning It may seem a bit strange to think about having to clean the dishwasher, but they do require maintenance from time to time. Grease, bits of food, and leftover detergent can all build up, leading to reduced performance. Here's one cleaning recipe to try. On the…

05

Dec

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Home Improvement Shortcuts That Can Lead to Disaster — and How to Avoid Them

Are you starting to get the renovation itch? With spring on the way, you might be tempted to launch those home improvement projects that you contemplated over the winter. However, as with any project, you will want to get things right. Let's take a look at four renovation shortcuts that can lead to disaster and the steps you can take to avoid them. Shortcut #1: Not Understanding Your Home's Structure Before you undertake any renovation involving your home's structure, you must be confident that you know exactly what is where. For example, do you know what is inside of your…

01

Nov

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home, Holiday Tips

Home for the Holidays: Maximizing Your Space for Guests

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to spending quality time with family and friends. It's a time for creating cherished memories, sharing delicious meals, and catching up with loved ones. If you're hosting guests in your home this holiday season, it's essential to make them feel comfortable and welcome. Here are some tips to help you maximize your space and ensure a warm and inviting atmosphere for your holiday guests. Declutter and Organize: The first step in preparing your home for holiday guests is to declutter and organize your space. Clear away any unnecessary items to…

27

Oct

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Transforming Your Space One Project at a Time

When it comes to home improvements, many homeowners are opting for the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. DIY home improvements not only allow you to save money but also provide a sense of accomplishment and personalization. Whether you're fixing a leaky faucet or renovating an entire room, taking on home improvement projects can have numerous benefits that extend beyond physical transformation. Cost Savings: One of the most compelling reasons to tackle DIY home improvements is the potential for significant cost savings. Hiring professionals can be expensive, especially for minor repairs or aesthetic upgrades. By doing the work yourself, you can avoid labor…

17

Oct

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

10 Tips to Secure Your Home While You’re on Vacation

A vacation is a time to relax and unwind, but it's essential to ensure that your home remains safe while you're away. Nobody wants to return from a fantastic trip to find their home has been broken into. With a few precautionary measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home becoming an easy target for theft. Here are ten tips to help secure your home while you're on vacation: Notify Trusted Neighbors or Friends: Let a few close neighbors or friends know about your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property, pick up mail, and…

03

Oct

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

How to Find the Perfect Tenant for Your Basement Living Quarter’s

Do you have an empty basement or separated suite in your home? If you have a suite sitting empty, you are missing out on collecting some extra monthly income in the form of rent. Let's take a look at a quick four-step process that will help you find the perfect tenant to rent out your basement suite. Step 1: Play By The Rules Is this your first time renting out a home or suite to a tenant? If so, you will want to do a bit of research first. Read up on Fair Housing Rules and other regulations as these…

28

Sep

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Kids Moving Out of the House? Here Are 3 Tips for Creating a Warm, Welcoming Guest Bedroom

If you're a homeowner with children, at some point, you'll be saying goodbye. They'll move off to college or to start their career and adult life. As children move out, you'll discover that you have extra bedrooms and other living spaces that will need a new purpose. Let's take a look at three ways that you can transform an unused bedroom into a welcoming place for guests to stay. Get Started With A Deep Clean The first thing you'll want to do is engage in a top-to-bottom deep clean of the room. Get everything out of the room so that…