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HOLIDAYS, HOME DECOR

5 Decor Tips to Get Your Home Fall-Ready

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Crisp autumn air is right around the corner and that has us thinking about our top five décor tips to get your home fall-ready. Look no further for our insights into trending fall interior design, and how you can give your home an upgrade for the changing season.

Considering upgrading your décor to hopefully sell your home? Find a realtor who can help give you tips for getting your property ready to sell. Plus, learn about some other common reasons why your home may not be flying to the closing table at record speed.

Deep Natural Hues

Our first tip to get your home fall-ready is to incorporate deep, natural tone hues into your space. Think rich chocolate browns, rust tones, shades of terracotta, saturated greens and blues, and moody deep tones of charcoal. The design trend of bringing the outdoors in is still a must-have feature for fall, but using the deeper tones of these shades makes the trend cozy and ready for the chilly season.

Make it Matte

The next décor tip we have is to integrate matte finish metals into your space. Shiny is out, and matte is in! Consider adding matte metals to your kitchen appliances, fixtures, and even décor pieces like picture frames, vases, and more. The options with matte metal are endless, so get creative!

Chunky Knit

You can’t consider your home to be fall-ready without incorporating some chunky knit blankets and throw pillows into the mix. Not only do these pieces accent your space, they also make everything feel more cozy and livable as the weather chills out. 

Select blankets and pillows in trendy natural-tone colors to ensure a serene space. In this same vein, upgrade your bedding to a thicker duvet and add extra linens to guest beds to ensure everyone is nice and warm during the cooler months.

Inspired by Nature

Get your home décor fall-ready by feeling inspired by nature. Integrate natural fall foliage with gourds, pumpkins, mums, and ornamental kale. Or consider integrating natural finishes in your décor pieces. Think adding a natural stone platter to center your coffee table, add leather or wooden pieces for a more natural and homey aesthetic. Then add in some scented candles to add natural, ultra-cozy light into your space. Bringing the beauty of fall inside is the best way to upgrade your home décor for the autumn season.

Textured Elements

Our final décor tip to get your home fall-ready is to add textured elements into your living space. Think heavy linens, faux furs, velvet finishes, and natural jute. All these fabrics offer a natural look and give a cozy feel. Selecting your fabrics in a chic plaid is another surefire way to integrate fall into your home.

We hope you feel inspired for the fall season after reading our top five décor tips to get your home fall-ready. Giving your space an upgrade can make everything feel refreshed and ready for the changing season.

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HOME DESIGN

The Different Types of Garage Doors That Homeowners Have Today

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It’s expected that a home renovation project should add some value to your home, but did you know that garage door replacement can deliver an ROI of up to 93.3% when you sell your house?

So, if your garage door has seen better days, it’s worth replacing it as soon as possible. Apart from adding value, the best garage doors can serve you well for up to 30 years.

Are you ready to get started with your garage renovation? Keep reading to find out more about the types of garage doors preferred by modern-day homeowners. 

Sectional Garage Doors

These are among the most popular garage doors since they’re reasonably priced and easy to operate. If you’re a smart homeowner, you’ll ask about the electrically operated variety of sectional doors while shopping around. 

Sectional doors have horizontal sections joined by hinges that allow the door to roll up and curve up into the ceiling. They’re available in a wide range of materials, including aluminum and glass.

You can stain the wooden varieties to suit your home’s style, although they’ll need a little more maintenance than most other materials.

The latest fiberglass and vinyl options best suit garages with modern designs, such as those boasting sleek AICoat, IRS, or Garage Force floor coatings.

Sectional doors operate on high-tension springs that hold them in place when half open, and they don’t take up any space outside your garage.  

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

The main reason homeowners choose these types of garage doors is that they suit the style of their homes. 

They’re manually operated and have a simple design, opening outward like barn doors. They’re often made of wood to complement their old-world appeal and due to their lack of mechanical parts, they rarely have any issues. 

The benefits of this design are that it leaves extra space in the roof of your garage for storage, and it’s super-easy to install. You can even buy them pre-hung in a frame or have them custom-designed to suit your garage’s dimensions.  

Types of Garage Doors That Tilt

Manufacturers design these doors to save space in your garage. They tilt up toward the garage roof when open, and there are two main types available.

These are:

Tilt-Up and Over Retractable Garage Doors

These kinds of tilt-up doors lift up and into the garage. They’re suspended from the door frame independently and don’t protrude past the front of your house. 

You’ll need a little more space to install this kind of door, and some homeowners find it difficult to operate them. 

Tilt-Up and Over Canopy Garage Doors

Til-up canopy doors comprise one piece. They don’t have sections and work on a pivoting hinge mechanism. When open, they come to rest parallel to the garage ceiling and protrude past the front of the house.   

Better and Better

Whichever types of garage doors you prefer, you’ll soon discover that these home improvements add a lot more than value to your home. They also increase your security, boost your curb appeal, and can help insulate your home from drafts.

Are you keen to discover more ways home improvements can benefit you? Browse our blog for more information on the best ways to add beauty, comfort, and value to your home.

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REAL ESTATE

Smart Ways To Sell Your Property Sooner

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It’s important to sell your house fast because the longer it sits the less you will get back for it. Selling a home is not always easy, there are many different factors to take into consideration. But with this guide, you can find out how to sell your house fast and make sure that you are getting the most you can out of your investment. The best way to sell a home is through an investment or real estate agent. 

They will market the property on their websites and in their neighborhood area. They will also be available to answer any questions potential buyers might have about the property that they might not want to ask you over email or phone. This ensures that they maximize their client’s profits and minimizes any potential risk of turning away a buyer from being too hesitant about those details. 

The quick guide to 1031 exchange in Los Angeles allows you to defer the capital gains tax that would ordinarily be due upon the sale of property if you reinvest that same property within 180 days. However, here are a few smart ways to sell your property sooner. 

Use Social Media To Promote Your Listing

Social media is the new way to advertise. There are more social media platforms than ever before, which makes it easier for people to find information about property listings. Facebook’s Marketplace which has become a popular way of buying and selling homes in recent years. On this platform, it’s possible to promote your listing with sponsored posts. 

This means that you can pay Facebook to promote your property on their platform with ads that will appear on people’s newsfeeds. Social media is one of the most popular marketing channels for real estate agents. With its large customer base and continuous reach, it’s easy to see why many of them are embracing it. 

Listings that are promoted on social media get more views, more likes, and more shares than listings that aren’t. Hence, there is a clear correlation between social media marketing and the success of an individual listing.

Get Professional Photos Taken Of Your Home

Homeowners want to make sure that prospective buyers will be able to see their home in the best possible light. The best way to do this is by hiring a professional photographer who can capture potential buyers’ attention with beautiful photos. Whether you’re looking to sell your home, renovate it, or just want a great place for your family to live, getting professional photos taken of it is a great idea. 

Professional real estate photography services are beneficial for many reasons which includes making homes more appealing to prospective buyers and catching the attention of potential homeowners.

Invest In A Home Staging Consultation

Home staging is a process in which homeowners make their homes attractive to potential buyers. It involves the use of colors, furniture arrangement, and other features in order to make the property stand out during marketing. There are many reasons why people invest in a home staging consultation. Sometimes, homeowners just want to improve their home’s appearance and don’t plan on selling it any time soon. 

But most of the time, they need help with preparing their home for sale so they can get more money when it comes time for them to sell their house or condo. Investing in some professional assistance can be a great idea if you’re planning on selling your property anytime soon. These professionals will know everything about what it takes to stage your property and they’ll help you avoid mistakes that might cost you thousands of dollars.

Create An Engaging Brochure

A brochure is a piece of paper or other flat material that can be folded and typically contains text and images. Brochures are designed to present information to the viewer, make a sale, promote an event, or as a flyer for something else. A brochure is like a short booklet that could also include images and graphics to show what life would be like living in the house you’re selling or renting. 

A brochure will help sell houses fast if it includes pictures of the inside and outside of the house and has good descriptions of the features and amenities offered by the home.

Find The Right Real Estate Agent

Buying and selling a house is a complicated and stressful process. Whether you’re buying or selling the right real estate agent can make all the difference. The right real estate agent can either make or break your sale. When you choose wisely, you’ll have someone who understands what it takes to get your home on the market quickly and get it sold at the best price possible. 

What kind of experience does this agent have? How long have they been in business? Do they specialize in your area? Do they have a proven track record for getting homes sold quickly at their asking price? Consider these factors when choosing an agent to represent you. When you are ready to sell your home, it is important to find the right agent. 

One way to find the right agent is to ask for referrals from friends and family. Another way is to search online for reviews on agents in your area. You can also talk with people in your community who have already sold their homes.

Price It To Sell 

An important question that often comes up when homeowners are listing their homes for sale is how much should I price my home for? The price of a house can have a dramatic effect on the number of potential buyers who are interested in it. If the price is too high, it might not be considered by many prospective buyers. If the price is too low, they might worry that there’s something wrong with the house or that the seller didn’t put a lot of work into maintaining or updating it. 

Therefore, there is no universal answer to this question because the final decision depends on many factors such as location and size of property, type of home and what other similar homes in close proximity are currently selling for. In addition, what you want out of your sale will guide your decision

Clean, Declutter, And Depersonalize

The first step is to paint the walls in a neutral color or simply repaint them to make them fresh and new. You can also remove any unnecessary items from the walls. This process should be followed by decluttering and depersonalizing your home. Make sure that you only keep the essentials, such as furniture, appliances, and other home necessities. 

In order to make your house more appealing to potential buyers, there are some other things you can do as well: Improve curb appeal with landscaping, clean up the property thoroughly, and make sure that there is nothing blocking views from windows or doors.

Sweeten The Deal

If you want to sell your home fast, you need to make some changes from the usual. The first way is by offering a housewarming gift for new homeowners. This will help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings and make them feel grateful for the gift that they have been given. 

You also need to make your home as appealing as possible by decluttering and cleaning up before showing it off to a potential buyer. Finally, if you are willing to do a little more work, consider having a housewarming party or dinner with your friends and family when they buy their new home.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

New Home or Fixer Upper: What To Know Before Buying

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When you’re buying a new home, you want it to be your perfect dream home. The problem is that when you are dealing with a house that has already been built, it may not be exactly to your standards or wants. 

This means that you have to make some tough decisions. Namely, should you buy a house that was just built, or buy something to fix up? It’s not an easy decision to make so you have to think about a few things before buying. In this article, we will go over several factors you should consider while house hunting. 

New construction has everything

When you see some land for sale Werribee, or wherever it is that you are looking to buy, you have a completely blank slate on which to create a masterpiece. You can use your wishlist to construct the house that has everything. All the modern conveniences and the exact style you are looking for. 

If you can dream it you can build it. Though, if you aren’t very creative when it comes to building design, you can often choose to have a prebuilt home done and still get some say in the design and style of the house. 

A newly constructed house will also be able to use the land and materials to be very efficient and use a lot less energy than an older home. For instance, you can position the house to make the most out of the sunlight in the winter so it can heat itself passively. And new materials keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter so you use less energy. 

Downsides to building from scratch

One of the biggest downsides to building a new home is the cost. Land alone can cost as much as a house in some areas. And then the costs of construction can be more than most people can afford. Not only that, but financing a new construction is also a bit tricky. You’ll need to have substantial savings to be able to pull it off. 

Finding land where you would actually want to live is another challenge. In areas near a city where you would likely be commuting to there is not much land available where you can build a home. Though with remote working being so prevalent now, and new developments popping up that offer something of a village, you can live further away from a metropolitan area and still enjoy modern conveniences. 

Buying a fixer upper

When you buy an old house to fix up, you have the second best thing to having a blank slate. You can strip the house down to the studs and essentially make it to your exact standards. 

You may already love the structure and just need to modernize it to where it can suit your needs. The downside is that the structure may not even be that good. And the materials are not as efficient as modern ones. 

You will save some money, but you will also have to compromise on many things so you never really get everything that you want with a fixer upper.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

8 Simple Home Renovations To Boost Your Property Value

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Are you looking to boost your property value or just have the coolest house on the block?

There are plenty of ways to renovate your home that can really amp up your interior style and design whether you’re looking to sell your home or stay in it forever.

Home renovations don’t have to be difficult and overwhelming. There are great small-scale tweaks that you can make to take your home to the next level. What are you going to choose?

Keep reading to learn about a few simple home upgrades and design changes that you can make to boost the value of your home. 

1. Replace Kitchen Appliances

Is your kitchen outdated? How new are your appliances?

Fresh and new appliances can do wonders for a home’s value. After all, when you’re getting ready to move into a new house, wouldn’t you rather have appliances that you know you won’t have to replace in a few years? 

This is a simple task that you can do at home, at least for the stove and refrigerator. If you’re installing or upgrading a dishwasher it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. 

If you choose not to sell, you still have a shiny new set of kitchen appliances that you can cook with!

2. Fix Your Tiling

We don’t pay enough attention to our floors. We grow blind to the things that might be “not quite right” and ignore how dingy tile floors can get over time. 

There are several ways to re-tile a floor and some are easier than others. Tearing up tile is going to be the hardest part.

If you’re going about this the hard way (yet also the best long-term way), remove the tiles that you already have. Then, you’re going to replace them with your new tiles and grout, being careful to cover all blank space. Everything has to be sealed to protect from moisture.

For a simpler route, there are plenty of options for stick-on tiles. They’re beginner-friendly and they aren’t permanent, but they hold up well and they look great. 

They’re also a great choice for a fancy kitchen backsplash! Fresh and clean tiling makes such a huge difference to the aesthetic appeal of your home. 

3. Consider Replacing Carpets

Carpets aren’t as popular as they used to be. They get dirty, they’re hard to clean, they don’t stay fluffy, and they can trap mold. 

More and more people are opting for hardwood all over. That means that if you want more potential buyers, you might want to do the same. 

Replacing the carpet isn’t easy. If you’re lucky, you’ll discover beautiful hardwood underneath your carpet, but don’t count on it. If you haven’t done this before, hire a professional. 

It’s a quick fix that makes a big difference. 

4. Add Some Fans

Have you ever moved into a new home and been disappointed that there are no fans in the rooms? We’ve been there. There’s something calming about the slow rotation of a nice fan.

You can install fans if you don’t already have them. You do need a bit of know-how but it’s still considered a DIY project for anyone who’s handy. 

Whether you want the smooth look of a classic fan or the beachy look of Gulf Coast fans, there’s something for you. Find something that matches the overall “vibe” of your home so your potential buyers get a cohesive and trendy space!

5. Basic Hardware Upgrades

Have you ever sat down and really looked at your handles and doorknobs? 

Probably not, right? You’re used to them. They’re utilitarian in nature and they aren’t meant to be aesthetic. But should they be? 

Having a cohesive style of cabinet handles, door locks, doorknobs, and all of the other metal bits and bobs around your home can make a big difference. They’re also fun to shop for as a bonus. 

This is a time-consuming but easy process once you have your new hardware pieces picked out. Why not give it a try? 

6. Paint Your Cabinets

What good is the new hardware if your cabinets are ugly or scuffed? 

Painting the cabinets is a great way to make your kitchen (with its new appliances) pop. Cabinets often get overlooked, but pay attention! Painting them is way easier than getting new ones installed and you can customize them.

We love the look of clean white cabinets with shiny gold handles, but the coloring is up to you. What do you love?

7. Re-Color Those Walls!

If your walls are looking scuffed and dingy it’s time for a new paint job or wallpaper. You can do this in a few ways.

First, basic painting. This is a DIY project that anyone can do, but it can be time-consuming. It’s best to go for somewhat neutral and agreeable colors to make sure you appeal to the widest audience, but we love a good statement wall in an otherwise neutral room.

You can also try wallpaper. This is extra good on a statement wall. Removable wallpaper allows you to make the statement that you want while also allowing your buyers the ability to remove it if they choose. 

8. Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Going green is in style right now. How green is your home? 

There are eco-friendly options for all over your home and some are easier to install than others. You can opt for a few green electrical items like a greener dishwasher or a green garage door opener. There are solar hot water heaters and large, energy-efficient windows that can keep the house’s carbon footprint low!

You don’t need to install full solar panels (though you can) to have a greener home. 

Which Home Renovations Are You Going to Do?

There are so many fun and easy home renovations that can take your home from drab to fab. Which ones are your favorites? 

Whether you’re new to renovation or you’ve done this all before, there’s something for every homeowner. 

For more posts on renovations, real estate, and more, check out the rest of our site!

 

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REAL ESTATE

5 First Home buying mistakes to avoid

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Homeownership is still a significant dream for many people, but there are numerous issues buyers need to be aware of when shopping for a home. Rather than being a dream come true, buying a home can quickly become a nightmare if a purchase is rushed. Here are five mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home.


Missing Legal Issues


Purchasing a home requires signing a variety of legal documents. It’s a good idea to have an attorney review all documents prior to signing them. Those documents range from an agent representation agreement to closing documents. Even a minor error in a document can prove to be costly later, so hire a lawyer to go over every document.


Ignoring Budget Realities


Real estate industry experts all agree that anyone shopping for a home should visit a lender and be prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage before contacting a real estate agent to look at properties. Many agents will also insist that prospective buyers be preapproved before shopping for a home. It’s vitally important to know what you can afford to spend when browsing the area’s homes for sale. It’s also a good idea to avoid spending more than you’re pre qualified for with the idea you’ll be making more money in the future. In some cases, that will be true, but taking any risks is not a good idea when the economy is as unsettled as it is today. Evaluate your real home needs as well all financial commitments prior to making an offer to purchase a home.


Accepting the Wrong Type of Mortgage


Virtually every home can be financed by more than one type of mortgage.The long-term costs of mortgages will vary significantly, so don’t accept the first proposal from a lender without exploring all the available options. VA, FHA, and conventional mortgages have different closing costs and interest rates, so shop carefully when looking for a mortgage.


Overlooking Faults


A home may be in an ideal neighborhood and be the style you’re looking for, but if there are substantial issues present, making an offer isn’t a good idea. Even if the issues with a home appear to be relatively minor, the repair costs can be devastating. Underlying issues can easily cost far more to fix than a buyer can comfortably afford. Even when a home looks good, a home inspection often uncovers major issues. Rewiring a home or making expensive upgrades to the home’s heating and cooling system frequently add costs that push the home’s real price out of reach. If major issues are discovered during an inspection, and the seller won’t make the repairs, look for a different house.


Not Considering All Homeownership Expenses


When purchasing a home, the mortgage will generally be the single largest
expense, but there are other costs to consider. According to national statistics, normal annual maintenance expenses are roughly one to four percent of a home’s value. On a $200,000 home, that means buyers should expect to spend between $2,000 and $8,000 per year for normal maintenance. Replacing appliances, repairing storm damage, and even having a tree removed are all issues property owners routinely experience. Make sure enough money is held in reserve to deal with those types of expenses.


Ready to Shop for your first home?


If you’re ready to start looking for your first home, start by putting a team of experts together to provide the help you’ll need. An attorney, a lender, and a real estate agent should all be parts of that team.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

5 Investments To Increase Your Home’s Value

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The right investments are key to improving your home’s value. If you are considering selling your home like millions of Americans do each and every year, you likely want to get the most money possible for it. However, if you simply attach a high asking price for the home without warrant, you will struggle to sell. The home will likely sit on the market far longer than the average amount of time and you will see few interested buyers.

In order to get more money for your home, you need to improve it. There are several renovations and other changes that you can do to take your home to the next level. But which of these are truly worth the investment of both time and money?  With that in mind, this guide is going to look at a few investments that can help to increase the value of your home.

Add a Security System

When people are buying a home, they want a place that they can feel safe and comfortable in. As a result, adding a security system to your home is a worthy investment that can help make your home more valuable. These systems secure the home and everything inside of it. Some include cameras and most can instantly contact the authorities once set off. These systems aim to prevent burglaries and other types of crime, and also minimize the damages if they do occur.

Many security systems also have smart home capabilities. They can control things like the lights and temperature throughout your home. Of course, be sure to know how the system works so you can use it yourself and tell interested buyers about it and the many benefits it has. The internet is full of resources to help, such as this informative article that explains all you need to know about alarm codes for these systems.

Boost The Energy Efficiency of the Home

Another way to make your home more valuable is to make it more energy efficient. Not only does making your home more efficient save the planet and appeal to the millennial audience, but a more efficient home can also be more affordable in terms of monthly utilities.

There are a few different things you can do to boost the energy efficiency of your home. This includes using LED light bulbs, getting new and efficient appliances, reducing your usage, and upgrading your windows. Sure, there are some costs associated with making the switch, but these will often pay for themselves quicker than you think.

Give the Bathroom a Small Makeover

The bathroom is without a doubt one of the most used rooms in most homes. Whether we are showering, getting ready or doing a range of other things, the bathroom is a place we will visit more than a couple times a day. As a result, updating it can increase the value of your home and make it more desirable.

While some people will go out and spend a fortune upgrading every single part of their bathroom, this often isn’t needed. A few small changes such as new floor tile, a new light fixture and a new vanity top can often be enough to give the room a whole new look. Going with fairly neutral colors is often a good idea, as people can add their own touches with things like art and the shower curtain they choose.

Redesign the Kitchen

Another room that sees a lot of traffic on any given day is the kitchen. Not only is it the place where we eat and prepare food, but the kitchen is often a place of gathering, where families spend time together. Many call it the heart of a home, and we would have to agree. In many cases, kitchen redesigns or renovations are quite expensive.

A lot can be changed, and the bill can be run up quickly. Thankfully, an updated kitchen can dramatically increase the value of your home, so the higher costs of this renovation compared to other rooms can often be worth it. However, there are still ways to save. These range from handling the demolition yourself, to using recycled materials, to shopping around for the right contractor.

Don’t Forget About the Yard

While focusing on the inside of the home is a good idea, it is important not to disregard the outside. Many home buyers love outdoor space and a nice yard can often be enough to convince people to buy your home. Not only that, many people are willing to pay more for a home with a well-kept and landscaped yard.

This is especially true in warmer areas of the country, where the outdoor space can be enjoyed all year round. There are many ways to easily and relatively affordably upgrade your yard to boost the value of your home. This could be adding a deck, ensuring your fences are in good shape, adding a garden, and keeping the grass and foliage in check.

In conclusion, any of the investments mentioned can have a positive impact on the value of your home. This will help you fetch the most money possible when it eventually becomes time to sell.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

6 Home Improvements to Increase Your House’s Value

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Home improvements are necessary. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or just looking to clean it up, completing some basic home improvements can significantly increase its value. Not only will you be able to make a better sale, but you can take pride in all of your accomplishments. In this article, we’ll look at six home improvements that you can make to increase your house’s value. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading! 

Follow these 6 Home Improvements to increase your home’s value…

Paint, paint and more paint…

Yep, you guessed it! One of the easiest ways to maximize your house’s value is to give everything a fresh coat of paint. From the doors and walls to your front porch, it really can make a huge difference. Try and stick with neutral colors, as it gives any potential buyers freedom to make changes. It’s also best to hire a professional if you want everything done correctly, as they can make sure the right paint and techniques are used. Check out these exterior house paint color ideas for some inspiration! 

Change up the landscape 

Your garden and landscape are just as important as your home itself, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help clean things up. A Home Improvement Contractor can ensure that everything looks its best, and you don’t have to worry about the stress of doing it yourself. Try and keep things looking clean and tidy, but don’t be afraid to add in some gorgeous greenery. It really can make a difference!  

Install extra storage 

Nobody can ever get enough storage, so if you’re looking for another way to upgrade your home’s value, see where you can add in some extra cupboards. Even something as simple as installing a coat rack or kitchen hanger rack could make buyers even more interested. Have a look at these indoor storage ideas to help get you started.  

Replace your heating and cooling systems 

If your house was built more than a few years ago, chances are the heating and cooling systems has seen better days. Replacing it can significantly increase your home’s value, and you’ll quickly earn it back when your sale goes through. Try getting a reverse cycle air-conditioner so that everything is in the one unit. They are easy to use, efficient, and can also save you money on power. 

Fix the little things 

Do you have small odd jobs around the home that you never got around to? It could be a paint chip in your bedroom wall or a brick that needs replacing? Fixing all the little things plays an important part in selling your home. Potential buyers always look at what needs fixing, and the less there is, the more interested they will be. There are many DIY fixes for things around the house online; you just need to do some research.  

Go green 

Lastly, one of the best ways to increase your home’s value is to go green and make your home more eco-friendly. For example, installing solar power panels reduces your energy bill, and you can even put power back into the grid. You could also consider installing low flow faucets to save water. The options are endless, and while it might cost a little to set everything up, it will undoubtedly be worth it. 

And that’s it! Even by just completing a few of these improvements, you’ll be able to get a better price offer on your home. Just remember always to hire professionals for any difficult job, and try and think about your home from a buyer’s point of view. Trust us when we say it can really help! Good luck. 

SHOP HOME DECOR ACCESSORIES…

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home renovation

8 Home Battery Storage Buying Tips

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Sick of dealing with power outages or have appliances and devices that can’t be placed at risk of turning off without a moment’s notice? Buying a home battery storage system is the best solution. Homeowners often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there. Read on to find eight home battery storage buying tips that can help make the decision easier.

1. Determine Power Needs First

It’s important to take the household’s power needs into account when sizing a home battery backup system. To do this, homeowners must estimate the power consumption of all their essential devices and appliances in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Homeowners working on a budget should keep in mind that many power-hungry devices such as air conditioners are not strictly necessary and can be turned off in the event of a power outage.

2. Consider Installing Solar Panels

Homeowners whose houses are tied to the grid can install a battery backup system without solar panels, but it will only provide power for a short period of time. Installing solar panels to power the battery bank will allow residents to access power even if the grid goes out for days at a time. Solar systems with battery banks can still be hooked into the grid. If they produce surplus power, homeowners can sell it to power companies to make back some of their investments.

3. Look Into Tax Credits

Homeowners who choose to install both battery banks and solar arrays may be eligible for a tax credit through the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program. Only batteries that are charged using solar panels exclusively are eligible for the tax credit, so those who choose to use grid-tied systems may not be able to get it.

4. Choose the Right Battery Configuration

There are two types of battery configurations that are common in residential homes. They are known as critical load backup systems and self-consumption systems. While critical load systems only run vital devices during grid failures, self-consumption systems are designed to operate during peak utility hours even if the grid is working as intended. They can help to reduce high energy bills but require a larger upfront investment.

5. Learn the Difference Between AC and DC Coupled Battery Systems

Homeowners who want to install solar arrays to charge their battery banks need to learn the difference between AC coupled and DC coupled battery systems. To put it in its simplest terms, the main difference is that DC-coupled systems are more efficient since they don’t require as many power conversions. However, they also require a larger upfront investment.

6. Hire a Professional Installation Technician

Whether homeowners plan to tie their battery banks into the grid or use solar panels to power them, they should always hire professional installation technicians. Working with electricity can be dangerous.

7. Buy the Right Inverter

Inverters are designed to convert the DC power produced by batteries into AC power. Make sure to buy an inverter large enough to power all essential devices and appliances.

8. Keep Batteries Safe

Batteries should be stored indoors but away from living areas. Ensure that they are kept dry and at above freezing temperatures to avoid problems with premature failure.

The Bottom Line…

Installing a battery bank is the best thing homeowners can do to increase their energy independence. Whether they choose to install full solar systems or just store power from the grid for emergency applications, it’s worth the investment.

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DIY, home renovation

4 Ways to Save Money on a Home Renovation

4-ways-to-save-money-on-a-home-renovation

Your home needs to be a space in which you’re comfortable and happy. Sometimes, however, we get tired of seeing the same things every day. The same dull color on the wall, or sitting at the same dinner table on the same chairs. Using the same outdated fridge that your parents gave you as a wedding gift ten years ago.

Whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or to replace outdated or damaged furniture, we all need an occasional renovation. Maybe you need to add space to your house, or just remove a few items.

Big or small, a home renovation can get costly very quickly. Here are four ways you can save a little the next time you renovate.

1. Patience, Budgets, and Savings

Admittedly, that might be three things, but they all go hand in hand. A lot of folks make a big mistake by trying to rush their home renovation. Instead of taking the project step by step, they want everything done as quickly as possible.

This might mean higher contractor fees, costly mistakes, and a lot of loans and emptied credit cards. With a little patience, that doesn’t have to be the case.

First, set a budget. Make sure it’s realistic, as well as one you can meet by saving up. The goal is to avoid using loans or credit cards. Next, talk to any contractors you want to use. Mention that you’ll be paying with cash and ask for possible discounts.

Remember to approach several contractors and compare quotes. You’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest contractor, though. You want a reasonable price that includes everything you need

Pro tip: don’t pay for everything as you go. It’s a mistake that a lot of people make when they do renovations, but it’s a risky gamble, too. There are better ways to create a work schedule with your contractor.

With a little patience, planning, and smart deals, you can save money on your renovation.

2. Don’t Shy Away from Discounts

People can be extremely picky. Some will return a perfectly good piece of furniture because of a small nick, dent, or scratch. Many stores will have a discount section that contains high quality – and fully functional – just slightly damaged furniture.

It’s a bit of a gamble sometimes, but you can mitigate the risk by doing a little research. In the end, you could get expensive big-ticket furniture and appliances for a fraction of their retail price. In fact, you could get as much as 60 percent off.

If that’s not a reason to do a little discount shopping, we don’t know what is.

3. Do It Yourself

While there are a few things that you probably need a specialist for, there’s a lot you can do yourself like a plumbing renovation. For example, repainting a room is simple enough, and it can be a lot of fun as well.

Some suppliers also sell furniture that’s ready to assemble, and we’re not just talking about a few chairs or tables. You also get DIY beds, displays, and great kitchen cabinets, as shown on the Best Online Cabinet website.

All you need is a little effort, an instruction manual, and a healthy dose of motivation. That said, don’t be afraid to get the experts in when you need to. Trying to update old wiring yourself if you’re not an electrician, for example, is a recipe for disaster.

4. Declutter for Profit

When you renovate your home, the chances are that you’ll be left with several items that you don’t need anymore. But your trash might just be someone else’s treasure. Your old sofa might not work for your family anymore, but a recent college graduate might love to have that comfy second-hand couch at an affordable price.

There’s always someone who might be willing to buy your second-hand goodies, and you can comfortably sell them online.

Take Away…

When you renovate your home, you don’t need to spend a small fortune or flounder in credit card debt. Just remember patience and planning, discounts, DIY, and decluttering for a profit. If you remember these tips, you can save money on your next home renovation.

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