For many, the holiday season means travel! In fact, millions of U.S. residents travel more than 50 miles away from home during the holiday season. Unfortunately, burglars are also aware of these holiday season travel statistics. While many families look forward to the holidays, it is easy to get carried away with excitement and forget…
It’s easy for things like pest prevention to get overlooked during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Homeowners have a lot on their minds, from the relatives coming to town to the presents they have yet to purchase. But pests don’t necessarily rest during the cold winter months; in fact, many are active year-round…
If you’ve been in the process of buying or selling a home this past year, or even considering it, you know it’s been a seller’s market for the most part. Inventory of homes available for sale has been low, creating more demand than the market can supply. Couple that with low interest rates, which make…
When you look at your home’s interiors, do you find yourself craving a refresh? If so, there’s no better time than the New Year to update your home with thoughtful design touches that embrace the power of color. Color is a key component of interior design and a useful tool for updating any space. What’s…
Are you ready if a blizzard hit tomorrow? While smaller snowstorms certainly create a level of frustration for homeowners, large storms require preparation to stay safe and comfortable. Families don’t want to be caught off guard in the event of a large snowstorm. Finding yourself unprepared and without power can be a dangerous predicament. A…
The holidays, the big game, New Year’s and everything in between: At this time of year there are plenty of reasons to invite family and friends to your home to entertain. In addition, there are also plenty of times – particularly on cold winter nights – when you just want to have a place you…
While trends in home decor often change, there is one constant design feature that continues to shine, literally: metals. Today, homeowners can find creative ways to incorporate a regal touch that produces a timeless look with modern appeal. Take the Temperature A first step in implementing metallic decor is understanding the temperature of the metals.…
The term “bed bugs” might make you shudder and picture a mattress teeming with the bloodsucking insects, but don’t be fooled; the name is a bit of a misnomer. While almost 70 percent of bed bug infestations are associated with beds or items found near beds, the insects don’t limit themselves to those spaces. Bed…
The heat will certainly be on this winter. With winter storms hitting many parts of the country early in the winter season, furnaces are plugging away, causing heating bills across the country to increase. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the typical U.S. family spends at least $2,200 per year on energy bills…
Creating an outdoor living space will give you an extra “room” to enjoy in all types of weather, even as the temperatures drop. You can start small with an inexpensive patio set and charcoal grill on a new deck, go all out with a fully installed kitchen, fireplace and living room, or something in between.…
4 Steps to Prep Your Home for Winter When you start feeling those first hints of winter, the instinct to get ready kicks in. You may dig out your car’s snow brush, blanket, shovel and winter survival kit and place them in the trunk of your car. The winter coats and boots come out of…
Accessories bring a sense of purpose into a space. With thoughtful selection, can transform a room into an elevated experience. When used creatively and in unexpected ways, they add the perfect finishing touch to a space. And can transform the overall aesthetic and design. From hardware to purposefully placed décor, integrate accessories artfully and functionally to…
Say you’ve just gotten home after a long day. All you want to do is put your feet up, but you notice what looks like rodent droppings on the floor, find evidence of something having nibbled at the food in your kitchen and … what is that scrabbling sound coming from inside your walls? You…
Did you know that many police departments have a community affairs officer whose primary goal is to build a strong working relationship with the community? That means you have access to a trained safety expert who wants to give you ideas to keep your home and neighborhood safe. Read on for eight simple home security…
Qualifying for a mortgage might be easier than you think. Buying a home is an exciting process, but for many people, it can also seem out of reach. While many renters would like to buy, there are several factors that may lead potential homebuyers to believe they may not be ready. These include credit score…