Here are four sophisticated fireplace designs to warm up any home! Peninsula Fireplace Open on three sides (hence the name), this modern design can be enjoyed from virtually any vantage point. Suspended Fireplace For a distinctly modern look, a suspended fireplace can hang from the ceiling or be mounted to a wall. Fire Ribbon Designed […]

Redoing your kitchen floor on your own is an ambitious undertaking that can be accomplished with the right supplies, tools and know-how. Whether you want to redo your floor by yourself to save money or simply for a sense of accomplishment, there are various ways to get the job done. Here are several things that […]

Its no secret that the kitchen ranks highly among luxury homeowners. Often described as the heart of the home, this is where families gather together and make memories, which is why you want a cooking area thats a cut above the rest. Here are a few key features thatll enhance your kitchen, as well as […]

Regular maintenance is an ongoing process for every homeowner. Keeping up with smaller projects is essential if you want to avoid major problems down the road. With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can ensure that your home remains beautiful and efficient for years to come. Here are four areas of your home that […]

Your home is your haven, and its style can say a lot about your personality. One feature can even hint at your traits when guests arrive”the door knobs! According to Weiser, a security solutions provider, the following knob finishes can be indicative of your personality as a homeowner: Bright Brass. Ideal for those with a […]

Roof damage can occur suddenly”for example, if shingles are blown off in a storm”or a small leak can gradually grow larger. A leaky roof can affect the inside of your house as well as the foundation. It can also affect your familys health by causing mold that can trigger allergic reactions and lead to breathing […]

Homeowners insurance is an important financial safeguard to protect you, your home and other assets from potential disasters or accidents. Its also an added expense homeowners need to budget for. Depending on the size and location of your home, as well as which insurance provider you choose, policy prices can vary widely. To help you […]

Bringing a historic home into the 21st century is a balancing act of the highest degree. You want the latest luxuries without having to get rid of the charming period details of yesteryear. Whether youre in the market for a home that exudes Old World craftsmanship or youre ready to breathe new life into your […]

Home insurance may be one of the last things youll think about when buying a home, but in some situations, insuring your biggest asset isnt so easy. And without insurance, you wont be able to qualify for a home loan. Here are five things that can make getting home insurance difficult, or at least more […]

If you’re like many people, you tend to do at least a little work from home. Dont let an outdated office hold you back. Give your home office an upgrade by splurging on something inspirational. Something that excites you. Next, focus on lighting. The best bet is to set up your work station by a […]

So you want to add a little feng shui flavor to your home? The following tips can help foster a strong connection between your space and your energy, which can impact the way you feel when you move through your home, and attract positivity in your life. 1. Pay attention to your entryway. Everyone likes […]

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Smart home technology continues to grow in popularity among luxury buyers, and millennials in particular. Its a feature that can help your property to stand out from the rest, yet many homeowners are still on the fence about installing an automation system in their home. Truth be told, there are plenty of benefits of having […]

Something every new homeowner wants is to feel safe and secure. Here are steps you can take to ensure that feeling. Do a little research and look into things like the crime rate in the area. Find out about neighborhood watch groups and how they work. Change the locks as soon as you move in. […]

If you have a small bathroom and/or a large family, storage space is at a premium. Without a solid organizational system, a bathroom can quickly become cluttered. Items that belong in the bathroom may get shoved into other closets, which can make finding things a hassle. Here are some tips to help you make the […]

Published with permission from RISMedia.

So you’ve got new kitchen cabinets. Congratulations! But now what? For those wondering how to finish their brand-spanking-new cabinets, we run down the pros and cons of painting vs. staining”the two most popular finishing avenues. The kitchen is one of the most important factors in your homes value, so consider how the following information impacts […]

Here are three instant advantages you can expect when adding mature trees to your property. Increased Property Value Studies have shown that mature trees can increase a homes value by as much as 19 percent.. Improve Your Outdoor Space Add instant privacy to your backyard by screening out the neighbors or create a shady canopy […]

When its time to file taxes, people want to claim as many deductions as possible. Home improvements are defined for tax purposes as work that increases the value of a home, extends its useful life or modifies it so it can be used for a new purpose. Examples include adding a new room, upgrading plumbing […]

Between the craziness of work, social events and family, its difficult to find the time to clean the house, let alone do a deep cleaning. Although we all somehow manage to clean regularly enough to keep our homes looking and smelling fresh, many people also likely ignore some commonly overlooked problem areas. Are you ready […]

If theres one part of a home where you can cut loose and have fun, its the game room. Whether youre a pool shark or board game enthusiast, having a designated area to spend leisure time with friends and family is a luxury that cannot be overlooked. While these recreation spaces can be a challenge […]

When a potential homebuyer comes by to look at your home, they will most likely park their car and walk to the front door via the driveway. And that means one of the earliest impressions they will have of your home in-person is of the driveway itself. While we tend not to think much about […]

If you’ve owned a home for several years and made responsible financial decisions, you may have built a significant amount of equity. Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your house and the amount you still owe on the mortgage. If the value is greater than the debt, you have positive […]

If you’re like many people, you tend to do at least a little work from home. Whether you full on run a business out of your living space or simply need a nook to work on your finances or groom your Pinterest board, the following tips can help you upgrade that home office. Splurge on […]

As millennials continue to have an ever-increasing impact on the luxury property market, its important to consider how this can affect your homes value. Over the past few years, millennials have established that their tastes and preferences significantly differ from those of their parents. If youre hoping that your house will appeal to this new […]

Whether youve owned a home for years or are buying your first home, purchasing insurance can be confusing. Some of that confusion can come from policy myths that are often not true. If ignored, thesefive home insurance myths could cost you in the long run. Flood coverage is standard. Flood insurance isnt usually part of […]

Heres how to elegantly illuminate your property after dusk. Create Evening Curb Appeal Sconces around the front door or a driveway lamp post add significant curb appeal. Illuminate your Landscaping Spotlight your garden and other plantings around your property to show them off at all hours. Light Up the Walkways Soft and subtle lighting is […]

Exercise rooms have fast become an expected amenity for luxury homebuyers. Being able to stick to your daily fitness regimen or have a session with a private trainer without leaving your house is an extraordinary convenience. Besides, we dont all have time to get to the gym! Some people hear the term home gym and […]

Flooding can happen anytime, anywhere. And damages are generally not included in your homeowners policy. But two devices can flood-proof your home: a backflow valve, and a sump pump. Both control floodwaters by redirecting them. A backflow valve directs overflow to an outside receptable – a sump pump directs overflow to a storm drain or […]

A fresh coat of paint can give new life to a home. Whether youre a seller aiming to impress potential homebuyers, or you just want to change things up, painting is an easy and effective way to revamp your homes look for relatively cheap. That said, a bad paint job that results in uneven edging, […]

There are many advantages of homeownership, but the burden of maintaining, repairing and replacing home appliances goes right along with it. The decision to repair or replace a broken or failing appliance is often made under pressure and without adequate knowledge about the nature of the appliance or its expected lifetime. Water HeatersUnless the water […]

These cutting-edge security features will ensure your property is prepared for anything! Biometric Keypad With biometric keypads, all of your doors can be set to automatically lock and simply require your fingerprint to open. Home Firewall Installing a firewall provides an extra layer of protection to any online vulnerabilities. Safe Room A fortified safe room […]

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on upkeep? Here are seven of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home: 1. Using Traditional Light Bulbs.If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money away […]

With these styles, youre guaranteed a kitchen thatll stand the test of time… Farmhouse Kitchen A rustic-inspired design, neutral colors combine with exposed wood beam ceilings and butcher-block countertops. Mediterranean Kitchen A kitchen that feels like you’re always on vacation. Dark wooden surfaces and ornate lighting create a romantic ambience. White Kitchen From coastal getaways […]

With a variety of home surveillance kits available, many handy homeowners have chosen to install security cameras themselves. The installation process can be easy, but knowing the proper way to place and angle the cameras is vital to keeping your home as safe as it can be. The most important factor in judging where to […]

If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, programs are available to help homeowners in situations like yours keep their houses or avoid foreclosure. Don’t wait to ask for help. Talk to Your Loan Servicer and a Housing CounselorIf you can’t pay your mortgage on time, contact your loan servicer. Explain the reason for the problem […]