All posts by Alysia Heun

Do’s & Don’ts in Storing your Wedding Gown

A wedding gown hanging in the window.

With all the planning that goes into a wedding, it’s only natural that you’d want treasured souvenirs to remember the day. If you plan on handing your wedding gown down through generations, donating it, or repurposing the material into a veil, it is critical that it be kept in perfect shape. Even though you won’t be pulling your wedding gown out from storage frequently, it is a significant part of your story that should be preserved, just like your engagement ring.

You need to think in advance about how to properly clean, protect and store your wedding gown after the big day. Preservation is a step-by-step process. Not sure where to start? This piece focuses on the dos and don’ts of storing your wedding gown.

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The Professionals You Need to Hire Before Building a Home Addition

A man looking around his home addition during construction.

Building a home addition can be an excellent real estate investment – not to mention a necessity for those who work from home. Once your addition is complete, you can rent out the secondary suite to help pay off your mortgage or supplement your income. But first, you will need to hire a few professionals who can streamline your project and help you avoid common pitfalls that can delay your build. Here are some key professionals to add to your home addition building team.

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Avoiding Insomnia in a New Home

A woman sleeping with a mask to avoid insomnia in a new home.

Sleeping in new environments can sometimes trigger latent insomniac tendencies. It can manifest in difficulty falling and remaining asleep or waking up early. It’s a well-studied phenomenon in sleep science known as the “first-night effect.” In that state, half of your brain remains alert while the other half sleeps. It’s your brain’s way of protecting you against danger in unfamiliar places.

You may experience the “first-night effect” when sleeping at a friend’s house, hotels, or new places. Don’t worry, though. This article will give you advice on how to avoid insomnia in a new home.

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Eight Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

A modern kitchen with blue cabinetry and open shelving.

Whether you are hoping to increase the value of your home or simply want to rid yourself of an outdated eyesore, upgrading your kitchen is an excellent option for any homeowner. Contrary to popular belief, upgrades don’t have to break the bank or be life-altering changes.

In the case of your kitchen, there are plenty of ways to make inexpensive changes that boost the appearance of your home and may help you reach a higher price tag when it comes time to sell. Below are a few options for upgrades under $100 that make a huge splash!

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Promoting Relaxation with Color

a person considering relaxation with color when decorating a room.

While there are many different style preferences when it comes to your home, every homeowner can agree that the goal of their home is to be an oasis among a hectic life. Not everyone can afford (or find space) to install a Zen garden, but there are plenty of other options to bring relaxation into the house. The easiest method is to choose colors that promote relaxation effortlessly.

Scientists have found that colors can evoke emotions. Just as clashing neon pieces can sometimes induce uneasiness, calm, cool colors can help you unwind. Read on to learn more about some color palettes that can provide some peace and calm in your home.

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Realty Executives of Flagstaff Supports Habitat for Humanity with Special Initiative Program

A group photo of Execs from Realty Executives of Flagstaff in the Habitat for Humanity build.

Realty Executives of Flagstaff, the longest-running real estate brokerage in Flagstaff, is committed to supporting Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. The firm participated in several programs to raise over $16,000 for the charity last year.

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Is Buying an Apartment a Good Investment for You?

An apartment with a gray couch and white coffee table.

Are you thinking about investing in real estate? An apartment can often be a good investment opportunity. However, if you want to decide whether investing is right for you, you should look at your situation. At the end of the day, it all depends on your circumstances and timing. Consider the following questions to help make your decision. 

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What to Remember When Renting Out Your Home

A house made of $100 bills on top of a rental contract.

Property rental can be a very lucrative business. Sometimes, it’s better to rent out your home instead of selling it. If you’ve acquired a new property and you’re planning to rent out your current home, there are many things to consider.

Although renting out your home can bring good profit, it can also be complicated. If you don’t handle it well, you’ll have plenty of headaches to deal with. To avoid stressful issues when renting out your home, read on for a few tips!

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When is the Best Time to Update a Kitchen?

A kitchen that has been updated with new gray cabinetry and backsplash.

A home reflects the type of lifestyle it houses. The kitchen in a house with kids will be very different from the one used by a single person or empty nesters, and this will often lead to design decisions for the space.

If you are looking to sell, the consensus among real estate experts is that kitchen updates are important at some point before selling. What if you’re planning on staying in the house for a decade or more? It still may make sense to make them part of a renovation project rather than doing minor touch-ups here and there.

The best time to update a kitchen space can vary depending on your circumstances. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to help make the process easier.

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