You are about to embark on one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences that can ever come from spending money: buying a home. If you are trying to figure out where to start as a first-time homebuyer buying a home in 2020, you should know that the entire process is not quick, but when all is said and done, there are few things more exhilarating than buying a house.
What to Expect for the Housing Market in 2020
Every year the U.S. housing market is different. While the economy expands and contracts, the housing market reacts, producing buyers and sellers markets. If…
People across the country are stuck at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Take advantage of the downtime and knock out some chores and projects around the house. Many home improvement stores are deemed essential businesses and are still open. You can also order supplies online and have them delivered straight to your front door. Here are four ideas for home improvement projects while social distancing that will keep you busy.
Home Improvement Projects While Social Distancing to Increase Storage
If you have been stocking up on groceries and other supplies, your closets and pantry are probably getting full. Now is an…
You’ve decided to sell your house, and now you’re wondering how to navigate the process. Here is everything you need to know about how to sell a house.
How to Sell a House With a Real Estate Agent
Find a professional realtor who knows your area. Select a few agents and interview each one to make the best decision. Choose a realtor with years of experience who you trust and get along with.
While it’s possible to sell a home on your own, it’s always easier with a real estate agent. An agent offers expertise with marketing your home, negotiating with the seller, and…
Every home should have clean and healthy water to drink. Unfortunately, you cannot assume that your tap water is free of contaminants and pollutants. There may be chemicals, metals, salts, and bacteria in your drinking water. There are different types of home water filters you can use to purify the water coming out of your tap.
Activated Carbon Home Water Filters
Activated carbon water filters are the most affordable types. They are found in common water pitcher filters, faucet attachment filters, and refrigerator filters. They are sometimes used in conjunction with other types of home water filters. Activated carbon filters remove chlorine, which…
In the cooler winter months, you may not be motivated to tackle home improvement projects. It’s too chilly for repairing the back porch lights or repainting the front door. Because you’re indoors more frequently in the winter, it makes sense to take care of the inside of your home. Organize your garage this season to create a tidy space you can use all year.
Set aside a weekend to get your garage in great shape. If you enlist the help of family members or friends, it will take even less time.
Begin by Gathering Supplies
When you are working on an organization project,…
When you’re buying a newly built home, you may wonder whether you need a home inspection before moving in. Ordering an inspection on new construction protects you and your family from construction-related defects.
Inspection on New Construction Will Document Any Mistakes
It’s important to request a professional home inspection on new construction before your final walkthrough with the builder. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with making repairs after you move into the home. Before closing, have the builder address any problems while it’s still their responsibility. Below are some issues that might be discovered during a home inspection.
Mechanical spaces may be made…
A termite infestation isn’t always obvious, so you may not know about one until there is substantial damage to your property. Because of this, it’s smart to hire a professional for a termite inspection. Termites damage the structure of your house and repairs are often costly. If enough damage is done, your home may be unsafe to live in until repairs are made. Learn about these signs of termites and take action against these destructive pests.
How to Detect Termites in the Home
The ease of detection depends on the structure of your home, the size of the infestation, and the type…
We make safety a high priority in our homes and we take steps to keep our families healthy. With many kinds of airborne allergens and dust particles, it can be difficult to maintain good indoor air quality. One easy way to control allergens is to use HEPA filters in the home. HEPA filters are more effective at trapping airborne particles and allergens than other types of filters.
HEPA Filters Can Trap Tiny Particles
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air and the filters are made of densely-woven fibers. As dust and other allergens pass through those fibers, they become trapped. The unique design of the HEPA…
As a person ages, eyesight and mobility can decline, increasing the likelihood of accidents and falls. Fortunately, it’s possible to easily reduce risks with some simple changes. Check out these tips for making a home safe for seniors.
How to Make a Home Safe for Seniors
1. Use Rugs in Contrasting Colors
The rugs in your home should stand out visually from the floor. This makes it easier for someone with poor eyesight to detect the difference between the two surfaces and helps prevent trips and falls. Use double-sided tape to keep rugs from shifting or buckling.
2. Remove Floor Clutter to Make a…
Be Prepared for These Expenses That Surprise First-Time Homebuyers
Homeownership costs more than just your mortgage payment. Homeowners insurance, utilities, and property tax are all monthly payments that you need to budget for. Here are some other expenses that surprise first-time homebuyers.
1. New Locks
When you move into a new home, you don’t know how many keys have been duplicated for it in the past. Change out all the locks so that you know exactly how many keys to your house exist. It is a wise investment to pay more for high-quality deadbolts. Although this is one of the expenses that surprise first-time homebuyers,…
Before selling your home, make improvements to capture the attention of potential buyers. Think about what will make the biggest difference to your property without breaking your budget. The right look for your exterior will improve curb appeal and help raise your property value.
Paint Your Front Door to Improve Curb Appeal
One of the biggest ways to enhance the look of your home quickly and easily is to paint or stain your front door. Choose a color that contrasts with your home’s exterior so that it stands out. Ask for paint swatches at your local hardware store so you can try them…
Home fires can have devastating consequences, including injuries and the loss of life or your house. Not all fires can be prevented, but there are a few tips you can follow to help improve fire safety at home.
4 Tips to Improve Fire Safety
With the combination of heat, flames, and smoke, even a small fire may have damaging effects. Fires can be caused by cooking, lightning strikes, cigarettes, faulty wiring, candles, and many other sources. When you implement these home fire safety tips, you reduce fire risks.
1. Choose Flame-Retardant Materials to Improve Safety
The speed at which a fire spreads is determined…