Category: How-to Guides
8 Smart Home Technology Trends that Can Save You Money
The ‘smart home’ is the new ‘internet of things’, or objects that can serve you better by communicating with each other or directly with you through apps on your smartphone. In the ideal version of the wired future, all of our appliances and gadgets talk to each other seamlessly. What could living in a smart... Read More
Are You Covered? A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide
No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowner’s insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if... Read More
Take Advantage of Your Home Equity: A Homeowner’s Guide
Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.1 But one of the... Read More
Add Value To Your Home With These 9 DIY Improvements
Add Value To Your Home With These 9 DIY Improvements Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home. The best part is, once you’ve secured the... Read More
Get a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing
Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside! Winter gardening advice always includes going through gardening catalogs and deciding what plants you want to grow in the coming year. That’s a great start, but why not take it a step further? Winter is a good time to... Read More
To-Dos: Your February Home Checklist
Keep your home fresh and organized this month while you plan for warmer days ahead! February is a time of year to indulge in home comforts like cooking big-batch meals, reading in the afternoon and watching movies with the family. Here are a dozen ideas to add to your to-do list this month, from the... Read More
Is Your Home Accessible for Aging in Place?
Review our checklist to find out if your house will work for you and your family as you get older Being able to live in your own home as you grow older is certainly an appealing option — and with the right preparation, it can be possible to create a safe and comfortable space that... Read More
10 Things to Consider When Renovating a Condo
Take these steps to ensure that your project runs smoothly and you get the most for your money Renovating a stand-alone house and renovating a condo unit can produce similar-looking results, but the processes can be very different. Each renovation of a condominium space comes with its own limitations, possibilities, and strategies, all of which... Read More
A Cleaning Routine for Your First Home
With basic supplies and room-by-room checklists, you can get into the housekeeping habit! Moving into your first home is exciting and presents a wonderful opportunity to cultivate new habits, such as getting organized from the start, planting your first garden, and even housekeeping. Cleaning may not be at the top of your list of things you’re excited about... Read More
Your Guide to a Dozen Popular Decorating Styles
Get the details on the top looks today and discover which one is right for you Whether you’re shopping for furnishings or sharing your ideas with a designer, knowing which style resonates with you can be a big help. Read on for the need-to-know details about 12 popular styles, including hallmarks of each look,... Read More