April 15, 2019
Beyond Alexa - Other Smart Appliances You Can Use In Your Home
Posted in Living by Kenady Swan
The nation’s largest home-building company, Lennar, now integrates Amazon’s “Alexa” smart speaker system as a function in new homes they construct. In the United States alone there are reportedly at least 39 million privately owned smart speakers, and the growth seems likely to only continue.
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April 03, 2019
Planning for the Life Expectancy of Your Home
Posted in Living by Kenady Swan
Nothing in life lasts forever – and the same can be said for your home. From the roof to the furnace, every component of your home has a lifespan, so it’s a good idea to know approximately how many years of service you can expect from them. This information can help when buying or selling your home, budgeting for improvements, and deciding between repairing or replacing when problems arise.
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April 01, 2019
Childproofing: Protect Your Family and Your Home from Potential Hazards
Posted in Living by Shelley Rossi
When you think of your home, it likely conjures up feelings of safety, shelter, and comfort. However, accidental injuries in the home are one of the leading causes of harm to children 14 and younger. By taking certain precautions, many of these accidents can be prevented. While supervision is the best way to keep your children safe at home, you can’t watch them every second....
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March 20, 2019
The Do's and Don'ts of Hiring a Contractor
Posted in Living by Kenady Swan
Constructing or remodeling a home is a complex, expensive endeavor. Ideally, everything goes as planned, and when the dust clears, the homeowner can settle in and enjoy the new home — and never think about the building process again. But what happens when, nine months after the owner moves in, the floor develops a crack, the dishwasher begins to leak or....
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March 18, 2019
Here’s Your Spring Maintenance Checklist
Posted in Living by Kenady Swan
Now that spring has sprung, let’s clear the cobwebs and get your home ready! Here is our quick guide to spring home maintenance. Inspection top to bottom: Now that the weather is temperate you will want to check on how your home weathered the winter. Check the roof for leaks, the gutters for damage, and the siding for cracks...
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March 13, 2019
Should I Move or Remodel?
Posted in Buying, Selling, and Living by Kenady Swan
There are a number of things that can trigger the decision to remodel or move to a new home. Perhaps you have outgrown your current space, you might be tired of struggling with ancient plumbing or wiring systems, or maybe your home just feels out of date. The question is: Should you stay or should you go? Choosing whether to remodel or move involves looking at a number of factors.
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March 04, 2019
Simple Steps for Maintaining Air Quality in Your Home
Posted in Living by Kenady Swan
Most of us tend to think of air pollution as something that occurs outdoors where car exhaust and factory fumes proliferate, but there’s such a thing as indoor air pollution, too. Since the 1950s, the number of synthetic chemicals used in products for the home has increased drastically, while at the same time, homes have become much tighter and better insulated.
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February 18, 2019
How to Cover Unexpected Costs with a Personal Loan
Posted in Buying and Living by Guest Author
Owning a home comes with its rewards — it’s an investment, a cozy haven to kick-up your feet after a long day of work, and a welcoming place to bring family and friends together. Although all of this makes homeownership fulfilling, owning a home also opens the door for unexpected (but necessary) expenses. If you’ve suddenly been hit with a home improvement project that’s pinching your budget...
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February 13, 2019
Are You Better Off Paying Your Mortgage Earlier or Investing Your Money?
Posted in Buying, Selling, and Living by Guest Author
Few topics cause more division among economists than the age-old debate of whether you’re better off paying off your mortgage earlier, or investing that money instead. And there’s a good reason why that debate continues; both sides make compelling arguments. On the one hand, your mortgage is quite likely the largest expense you will ever incur in your life. So if given the chance, it only...
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February 06, 2019
Open Your Home With the Right Tone and a Welcome Mat
Posted in Living by John Trupin
Right before the guests ring the doorbell or give the front door an old-fashioned knock, they step on your welcome mat. This mat serves two purposes: catching debris and adding style. Here are some ideas for how to give this entry detail a refresh.
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