When it’s time to remodel or make improvements to your home, you may wonder when you need a building permit. How do you determine which remodels and renovations require permits? Most contractors will know ahead of time, but it’s good for homeowners to have a general understanding for future renovations. Why Do I Need a Building Permit? For many projects, … Read More
Asbestos Exposure in the Home: Risk, Removal, and Remodeling
Many people are alarmed to learn that their house may contain asbestos. Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma – particularly in construction workers and manufacturers, who were frequently exposed to it on the job. Most Americans will spend at least one-third of their time every day inside their home – that is a lot of time … Read More
7 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Tips for a Greener Yard This Summer
Maintaining a beautiful yard is a point of pride for many homeowners. From keeping the grass mowed to planting flowers and manicuring shrubbery, a lot goes into keeping a yard up to standard. For households that experience the occasional drought, the need to conserve water can take a significant toll without drought-tolerant landscaping. Providing a lawn with one inch of … Read More
Homes Listed with Professional Real Estate Photos Sell Quicker and For More Money. This Is Why.
First impressions are everything, especially in home buying. A gorgeous exterior vs. a crummy one decides whether you walk in the front door. Inside, spotless interiors are more likely to inspire a life there than a cluttered house that’s clearly, well, someone else’s home. And while this is where staging can play a huge role , it’s the listing pictures … Read More
New Construction Home Inspections: Are They Necessary?
In the midst of the last recession that crippled the U.S. real estate economy, new construction home inspections virtually disappeared. For several years there was too much available housing inventory at too low a price to make newly constructed homes competitive on cost. Essentially, buying a prebuilt house was more attractive to home buyers than building one. However, now with … Read More
10 Ways Sellers Can Prepare for Their Homes for Real Estate Photos
Ready to list your home? From opening the blinds to putting away photos, Redfin Photography Manager Drew Larrigan reveals small steps that make a big difference when it comes to preparing a home to sell. Ready to list and sell your home? Congrats! But before preparing your home to be photographed, there are 10 important steps to consider, said Redfin’s … Read More
6 Smart Home Devices for a Healthy and Happy Pet
As pet owners, we all face that familiar pang of guilt when leaving the house to go to work, school, or to run errands. Your pet is home alone, fending without you, waiting for your return. Until recently, there was no way to periodically check-in, or confirm your pet’s safety throughout the day. Instead, pet parents were left to wait, … Read More
Home Gym Ideas: 7 Fitness Experts Weigh In
Exercising on a regular basis is an essential part of staying fit and healthy, but sometimes finding the motivation to go to the gym can be tricky. Creating a space in your home that can be used as a home gym will make working out more convenient. Whether your workout involves yoga, lifting weights, pilates, cardio, body weight exercises, or … Read More
4 Affordable Spring DIY Updates You Can Try This Weekend
Spring is one of the most popular times to list a home. HGTV’s Chip Wade reveals easy projects to attract buyers. If springtime has you eager to roll up your sleeves and give your home a fresh feel, there’s more you can do beyond breaking out the vacuum. Spring is also a great time to take on easy DIY … Read More
5 DIY Ways to Increase Curb Appeal and Attract Buyers on a Budget
Landscaping, lighting, power washing and more–9 curb appeal ideas from HGTV’s Chip Wade. With its crisp air and lovely weather, spring is the optimal time to list your home . Assuming it’s primed and ready to be introduced to the public, that is. In life and in home tours, first impressions are everything . Just as we embrace spring … Read More