(BPT) - Whether you’re looking to lower heating and cooling costs, or have a passion for protecting the environment, maximizing the energy efficiency of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is a smart move. The more energy efficient your system, the less you’ll spend running it every year, and the smaller your home’s environmental footprint will be.Efficiency ratings are intended to help you decide which products are best for your home, so it’s important to Continue Reading ...
Anyone who’s ever bought or sold a home knows how even little things can sway a buyer to feel a particular house is "just right." While major features such as a good location, a big kitchen, and a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms all drive a home’s price and how attractive it is to buyers, small details like fresh paint and new faucets can also help clinch a sale.When you’re trying to sell your home, you should be willing to spend some money on repairs and improvements to help Continue Reading ...
(BPT) - Move over mini — the new trend in decking is anything but small.When it comes to the size of their decks, the majority of Americans feel bigger is better — as multiple surveys indicate decks are getting larger and more luxurious, RealtorMag reports.Today’s decks dwarf the outdoor spaces of decades ago, and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces with features like full kitchens, dining and entertainment areas, says Kim Katwijk, owner of Deck Builders Inc. in Continue Reading ...
We often get asked by our clients and referral partners, “How do we get the most out of our upcoming home inspection?” Here are the best way to maximize the value of your home inspection fee, in order:ATTEND the Home Inspection!This seems like a no brainer, but there are a surprising amount of home buyers who don’t attend the inspection for the largest purchase they may ever make. If you can’t be there, send someone trusted (your Continue Reading ...
Fast tips to protect your home when hosting guests Hosting friends and family at your home is a guaranteed way to make long-lasting memories.Not only will your guests be reminiscing about the wonderful chats and laughs you shared, but thanks to some quick tips from Minwax(R) spokesperson, Bruce Johnson, they'll remember how great your home looked, too.To prepare your home for guests, no matter how long they plan to stay, consider these 9 easy tips:Mats and rugs: The sand and dirt Continue Reading ...
If you're planning to make some home improvements this year, you're probably thinking about energy-efficient options, knowing they can save you money in the long run. However, many eco-friendly home improvements that help lower your energy bills can also pay off right away in the form of rebates and tax credits.Whether you're considering installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater, putting solar panels on your house, or adding a skylight, chances are you can find a program that Continue Reading ...
More than half of homes in the U.S were built before 1980, according to U.S. Census figures. With most home heating and ventilation systems lasting around 20 years, millions of American homeowners will be looking at replacing their HVAC systems this year. If you’ll be among them, understanding the factors that influence the cost of a system could help save you money in the long run.“The cost of HVAC systems can vary widely, and most people who face replacing a system have never gone Continue Reading ...
Losing power at home is inconvenient. When it happens, the worst part is not knowing if the outage will last for a couple hours, or if it will stretch on for days. But if you take a little time to get organized and round up a few items today, you will be ready to keep your family comfortable when the lights go out."This time of year, a variety of causes can lead to a power outage and affect the length of the outage, as well," says Ed Del Grande, a home improvement TV host, author and Continue Reading ...
The year 2016 was devastating for some safe deposit box holders. In New York, thieves cut holes in the roofs of three banks and brazenly emptied hundreds of safe deposit boxes, leaving the victims' pillaged boxes on the roof and strewn around the vault.A stealthier thief in Florida picked safe deposit boxes in several banks, emptying the contents without damaging the box or leaving any visible sign of the theft.These are not isolated incidents. On average, there are between 15-18 Continue Reading ...
Homeowners planning to refinance and buyers searching for a home may have an idea of what’s in store for them with regards to interest rates, but they never really know until they lock in a rate. This is in part because rates can change direction fast, and when they rise—as they have been recently—it can cost borrowers a great deal of money and time. The effect of rising interest rates on your home purchase Today, the median existing home price in the United States is around $235,000, Continue Reading ...
