All posts by Alysia Heun

Hosting a Backyard Wedding

Backyard wedding with long dinner table set up near the pool.

Have you ever thought about tying the knot in your own backyard, or offering it up to someone in need of a wedding venue? Saying “I do” in a place close to your heart certainly has its advantages. Still, pulling it off without a hitch requires some special planning. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning or hosting a backyard wedding.

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Quietest Garage Door Openers

By: Good Guys Garage Door Solutions

man with green shirt installing a quiet garage door opener

Manufacturers create garage door openers to operate with the highest quality of safety, security, and convenience. Beyond even these advancements, garage door openers can now function almost silently. This can be an especially important advantage if you have a room located above or beside the garage door. That is why we collected a list of the five quietest garage door openers from three top brands: LiftMaster, Genie, and Sommer.

Before we jump into the specific openers, you should know what makes an opener operate more quietly. When shopping for a new opener, look for side-mount or belt drive options. Because both have fewer moving parts or metal hardware, they produce fewer vibrations and thus less noise. Also, look for descriptions that mention soft start and close. This also assists in reducing vibration, cutting back on noise levels.

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5 Options for Financing Your Home Improvement Project

home improvement project planning with a hammer, protractor, and small house over floorplans
Home renovations can be costly, but there are several ways to finance them.

Home improvement is often a costly expense, but it is often necessary, especially if there are damages in your home that need to be fixed. Improving your property does not only come when you want to update its appearance. Sometimes, you need to do it for maintenance purposes.

If you find yourself in a situation where work is needed but you do not have enough money to facilitate it, research and consider the following options for financing home improvement projects:

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Top Tips to Reduce HVAC Energy Costs and Lower Your Energy Bill

The average homeowner pays over $13,000 dollars yearly for electricity. This can mean at least five to ten percent of the homeowner’s income goes to electricity bills. The good news? There are countless ways to significantly reduce HVAC costs and your energy bills without sacrificing your comfort. For instance, you can dramatically reduce your energy bills by ensuring you schedule regular AC maintenance.

Although the HVAC system is deemed the primary energy guzzler at home, there are numerous ways you can lessen your HVAC energy costs and lower your energy bill. Read on for tips!

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8 Mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home insurance policy

a home insurance policy form with a small house symbolizing protection for the home.

Getting a home insurance policy is essential when you are buying your dream home. However, just any homeowner’s insurance policy is not enough; you need to have adequate coverage to financially protect yourself against any unexpected circumstances.

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Finding the perfect hammock for summer relaxation

With the right hammock, your outdoor space can become a relaxing retreat!

There is nothing like enjoying a summer breeze on a beautiful day. So, why not relax in a hammock? They do not require any special skills or tools to set up and come in a lot of different styles and colors. Plus, they are environmentally friendly. However, we have all seen the hammock disaster videos online, and you may find yourself apprehensive to try out this classic summer trend. Do not worry! Setting up and enjoying a hammock is a lot easier than it seems. Read on for tips to help you select and hang your perfect hammock for summer-long relaxation.

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It’s all light: a guide to getting better sleep with lighting

woman sleeping peacefully in the dark in her bed.
A good night’s rest can enhance your mental and physical state.

Getting better sleep. We all know that we need it, but do you know exactly why? Sleep is an altered state of consciousness in which we have minimal interactions with our surroundings and environmental stimuli. It might seem counter-intuitive, but our brains are quite active during sleep, carrying out a wide range of crucial functions.

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realtors earn 2021 digital marketing executive certification

Multi-colored digital marketing executive logo. Large "x" stacked above "DMX" and "CERTIFIED".

Realty Executives International is proud to announce that 636 of the franchisor’s Realtors® participated in the 2021 Digital Marketing Executive (DMX) certification program.  These Realtors® represent over 90 independently owned and operated Realty Executives brokerages throughout North America.

The four-week training course, offered annually to all agents, brokers, owners, and administrators, is in its fifth iteration with the brand. Participants in the course complete two hour-long sessions per week and supplemental coursework, totaling 12 hours of education.  The DMX content is customized each year to provide the timeliest and in-demand subject matter for real estate professionals. Due to this dynamic structure, those who previously earned the certification are encouraged to recertify each year.

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Pet safety: Summer fun with your furry friends

woman and golden retriever running down the beach
Spend some time enjoying the beautiful summer days with your best furry friend.

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, it’s easy to get excited about all the fun activities to explore throughout the summer months! With many restrictions lifted, there are more and more opportunities to get out compared to last year. As we are sure is true for many of you, spending time outdoors or on the road with your furry best friend sounds incredible. So, as you ditch your jeans for shorts and coats for swimsuits, here are ways to enjoy the season and keep your pets safe in the summer.

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Creating an easy-breezy backyard oasis

tropically decorated backyard patio with grass roof
A tropical oasis, right outside the back door.

Are you pumped for summer but not for the backyard prep? We have you covered! Embracing the season should be anything but stressful. Here are some ways to fast-track your backyard for summer poolside vibes and serious relaxation.

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