Category Archives: Homeowners

Essentials of a Man Cave

A man hanging a mancave sign on the door.

Remodeling your home? Have an extra room in the basement you’re not sure what to do with? Maybe it’s time to create the ultimate man cave! Whether you want a place for Friday night poker or to watch your favorite team take on their rivals, a man cave is the perfect place to sit back and relax. Check out these six essentials for creating a dream room.

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Stove Shopping: Gas vs. Electric

A kitchen with a new stove next to blue cabinets.

As any homeowner will tell you, there’s more to a home than meets the eye. One decision on the horizon is choosing between gas and electric. If appliance choices have got you feeling the heat, know that it’s easier than you think. Here are a few pointers on choosing the right stove for your needs.

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Making Sense of Home Automation in the Real Estate Market

phone with icons showing home automation

Every year there seems to be a new phone, gadget or product that is a must-have on everyone’s shopping list. But when it comes to shopping for a home, how does the newest home technology influence the buying and selling process? Do homeowners need to add smart home features to sell their homes? Should buyers be on the lookout for automation in their new home? If, like most people, you have questions about home automation and the real estate market, we have a few answers that may help you out.

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So…You Want to Buy a Cottage!?

A cottage by the water with a gray dock.
Whether in the mountains or by the water, there are fabulous cottage options available for those looking for a seasonal home!

Seasonal homes are known by many different names, and the names often vary depending upon location. You may hear them called camps, cottages, beach houses, cabins, or chalets. Many are located near the water, but sometimes they are secluded in the woods or in the mountains. No matter what we name them, these properties call to us and remind us of the carefree holidays of our youth. Seasonal homes are the root of fond memories that include days on a beach and in the water, and evenings by a campfire, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and eating s’mores.

Nonetheless, buying a vacation home is not for the faint of heart. It is important to do your research before deciding to make an investment. Read on for some considerations when searching for the perfect cottage.

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How to Make Home a Safer Place When Living with Kids

A family with two young children happy and safe in the home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 9.2 million children have to visit the emergency department for an unintentional injury each year. Unfortunately, the CDC also states that injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the US and Canada, too.

Children are curious, easily distracted, and more prone to injury than adults are. So, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep them safe, even in the home.

Thankfully, most of the accidents mentioned in the CDC’s research are preventable with the right approaches to safety. Here’s what you need to know to minimize risks and make your home a safe and hazard-free space for kids.

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Granny Chic Design

a granny chic designed living room
Granny chic combines the new and old by throwing out the rules when it comes to blending colors and patterns.

If you’ve scrolled through Pinterest lately, chances are you’ve seen pins for granny chic design. Sometimes referred to as grandmillennial style, granny chic design combines traditional American interiors with modern touches. Think of it as grandma’s house on steroids where excess is everything. Here’s how to bring together new and old for a grandmillennial win.

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How to Find Your Perfect Vacation Home

a vacation home on the coast overlooking the ocean

As vaccines continue to roll out and a light appears at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many people are giving themselves permission to imagine their post COVID-19 lives. For some, this means planning wonderful vacations and time away. For others, it’s looking for a new spot to call home, even if only for a few weekends a year. Regardless, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the getaways you have been dreaming about!

There are few better ways to ensure vacations are accessible on your terms than buying a vacation home. Here’s a look at what you need to know to find the perfect property.

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5 Tips for Maximizing a Small Garden Space

A woman potting plants in her small garden space.

If you’re disappointed with the size of the garden in your new home, or you’re considering a property and the only downside is a small outdoor area, there are plenty of things you can do to turn even the tiniest garden into a perfect green escape to relax in.

In this article, we cover some simple ideas for maximizing your garden and creating the illusion of more space.

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How to Resuscitate Your Bank Account After Buying a Home

A piggy bank symbolizing the need to boost your bank account after buying a home.

Buying property is a huge investment, and it often comes with additional, unplanned expenses. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself in a less than desirable financial position. Before you realize it, your budget is forgotten, you’ve spent money on all sorts of things you’d never imagined needing, and you’re feeling somewhat out of pocket. For this reason, it’s important to know how to balance homeownership and breathe new life into your bank balance. To help you out, we’ve compiled eight handy tips to boost your bank account.

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Air Conditioning 101: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks You Should Know

Woman enjoying the AC in her living room.
Keeping your AC running efficiently will help you stay cool all summer.

During the scorching summer months, it’s hard to imagine life without your trusted air conditioning unit. However, as the degrees drop inside your home, your electric bill can also head in the opposite direction. When faced with skyrocketing bills, it is tempting to give up your AC or live much more warmly from day-to-day.

Fortunately, there are ways you can stay cool during summer without spending a fortune. Beat the summer heat, save money, and keep your air conditioning unit in peak shape by keeping the following AC tricks, tips, and hacks in mind:

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