Across America, decks have become a popular place for people to entertain guests or just relax. The greatest appeal? The elevated outdoor living areas offer a convenient option for enjoying the great outdoors in a comfortable, room-like space that’s somewhat removed from the elements. Average deck costing $9,450 and generating $10,000 in value Further, studies reveal adding a deck to your home pays for itself in terms of resale value. A 2016 report by the National Association of Realtors Continue Reading ...

Home improvement projects are popular this time of year and you’ve certainly tackled your share of DIY to-dos in the past. But not this year. This year you realize it’s time to go big, to go bold, to set aside those traditional home improvement projects for another year and do something even bigger. Yes, this year, it’s time to renovate. Whether your plans include renovating one room, a floor or your entire home, there’s no denying that a renovation project greatly increases the Continue Reading ...

Here’s what you need to know: Get ready in style Prep the space with all the necessities needed to make your new addition’s life as happy as possible. Based on the needs of your new child or pet, this could mean turning your home office or game room into a nursery or finding the perfect doggy door to install in the back entrance. After checking big-ticket items off your list, consider how moments such as bath time will change in the new dynamic. Choose a product that is stylish and Continue Reading ...

Homeowners insurance is a practical investment to help protect you, your family and your property in the event of unforeseen and unexpected losses. Traditionally, it’s associated with fire damage, burst or leaking pipes, or stolen property, but occasionally it covers unusual events that make for sensational news stories and viral videos. Here are four claims homeowners never thought would happen to them. 1. Bear B&B Bears are notoriously curious and intelligent creatures that also Continue Reading ...

Across the U.S., the housing market is picking up pace moving into the peak of the summer homebuying season. In city after city, home prices are on the rise, up 2.3 percent on average between April 2017 and 2018, according to the RE/MAX April 2018 National Housing Report. And there are fewer houses on the market to choose from, with total housing inventory down by 11.3 percent. Based on home sales in April 2018, the national supply of inventory was at 2.5 months, making it a strong Continue Reading ...

It’s that time of year again when unwanted weather patterns like severe thunderstorms, rainstorms, and tornadoes can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. While certain areas of the country are more apt to face tornadoes, virtually everyone is at risk for heavy rain, winds, and hail, which can cause flooding, power outages and structural damage. Whether you’re in the Midwest, the Southwest, the Great Plains or any other part of the country, it’s important to be prepared for the upcoming Continue Reading ...

Whether you are buying a home for the first time or you are just looking for an upgrade, it is never a bad idea to arm yourself with tips that can make your search go from overwhelming to enjoyable. Rather than learning the hard way about hidden expenses and difficult neighbors, there are things you can do to feel more confident as you begin your search. With a seller’s market in many parts of the country, these tips are even more important as you battle other buyers for the home of your Continue Reading ...

Create indoor sliding doors as a decorative piece in your home. A sliding barn door would be a space-efficient option for a small room, regardless of its use or function. Barn doors moved out of the farmyard and into the house a long time ago. Recently, however, they have become an even more popular and useful feature in the residential design. It’s not hard to see why. “Many homeowners hear the term ‘barn door’ and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not be a look Continue Reading ...