It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may…
Do you own an older home, and are you looking to make upgrades that matter? Strategic enhancements not only increase a property’s resale value but also its functionality. This is particularly important among young homebuyers. Sixty-eight percent of millennial homebuyers reported buyer’s remorse, according to a Bank of the West survey. Today’s high home prices…
We tend to think of the bathroom strictly as a utilitarian space, and therefore not worthy of the same energy and expense put into designing spaces like the living room or kitchen. We spend a lot of time in the bathroom, however. It’s the room where we start and set intentions for our day. In…
Nobody bats an eyelash when it comes to buying homeowner’s insurance, but many homeowners don’t apply that same logic to planning for home repairs — not what might happen, but what will happen. Only a fraction of the 120 million U.S. households today are protected by a home services plan, also known as a home…
Today’s tile trends extend so far beyond their traditional use as a staple of bathroom design that you may not recognize them. While once the most attractive and innovative tiles had to be imported, contemporary handcrafted tile and stone products for home design are now being made right here in the United States. Homeowners and…
Building a new home? Protect it against today’s faster, scarier fires If your new home is among the one million or so being built in the U.S. this year, congratulations! You’ll have the chance to customize it to your dream home preferences. One feature that should be at the top of your priority list is…
No matter where you live, the weather can be unpredictable any time of year. Storms can disrupt your family’s routine, but a little preparation can mean reducing the stress that unexpected weather events can cause. Preparing for storms or other weather conditions just takes a few practical, proactive steps that can save you time, money…
Craving a more beautiful bathroom? Resolve to make this the year that you finally create the bathroom of your dreams. Fortunately, you don’t need a major remodel. Consider these ideas for simple changes with big impact. With a little planning and effort, you’ll add to your home’s value and functionality, while getting the “Pinterest-worthy” bathroom…
Every year, homeowners anxiously await spring to refresh and reset their homes. But what if we capitalized on all the time spent indoors during winter to take control of home improvements ahead of time instead? With a little thoughtful planning, you’ll not only be able to give your space a simple facelift but also enjoy…
From healthy lifestyle changes to productive habits, there are plenty of New Year’s resolutions that can start your 2019 off on the right foot. Homeowners can extend those resolutions to include keeping the house in tiptop shape — and keeping out unwanted visitors. The pest management experts at Terminix have a few New Year’s resolution…
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…