(BPT) - Buying a home is exciting. Once you purchase a property, you want to make it your own. Whether it's a 100-year-old beauty or a fresh new build, there are improvements you can make that not only personalize the space, but add instant value to your real estate investment.

Project 1: Update the garage door

Garage doors take up a lot of visual real estate on the exterior of a home, meaning they dramatically boost curb appeal. Because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, bland designs, old styles and damaged doors detract from a home's appearance and overall value.

Updating a garage door has a midrange cost but an impressive ROI. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2020 Cost vs. Value report, the average national job cost of a garage door replacement is $3,695, with an impressive 94.5% cost recouped at resale.

When choosing a garage door, select one you like that matches the home's design. For example, carriage-house garage doors have a rustic look that work well with American Craftsman style homes. Contemporary garage doors with clean lines work well with mid-century modern homes. Raised panel garage doors are popular and work with many types of homes.

Project 2: Add a bathroom

Wish you could add a bathroom where no conventional plumbing exists in your home? Basements, attics, garages and unfinished spaces are tricky, but there is one way to add a bathroom without busting through concrete or sacrificing the structural integrity of a home: above-floor plumbing such as macerating toilets and drain pumps from Saniflo.

Project 3: Revitalize ceilings

Dingy, cracked ceilings are eyesores that date a property and can make it look older than it is. By updating your ceiling, you not only improve the appearance, but you also increase the home's overall value. If there are chips and cracks, it's important to repair these issues before applying any paint. Once repaired, vacuum cobwebs and remove dust to ensure that fresh coat of ceiling paint adheres properly.

Don't like the style of ceiling you have? Many homeowners are opting to replace popcorn texture ceilings with flat or knock-down styles. While a ceiling is a personal preference, updating it to a more modern option may command a higher price at resale. If the ceiling has never been painted, you may be able to remove the popcorn texture yourself; otherwise, hiring a professional should get the job done quickly. Keep in mind, popcorn textures and other ceilings applied before 1979 may have asbestos, so you'll want to get it tested before removal.

Enhance the value and enjoy the results

As you look at different properties, you imagine yourself in each house, enjoying the space and making memories. Even when you find "the one," there are things you want to update. By making these improvements, you will personalize the space, instantly enhance the value and have a property you enjoy.

(BPT) - Hundreds of millions of people have sheltered in place as governments issue executive orders to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, many homes are becoming a fortress against the virus, a makeshift school, an office outpost and a daycare facility. As homeowners continue to spend more time at home with the appliances and lights on, they are looking for ways to optimize the efficiency of their homes.

The typical U.S. family spends at least $2,200 a year on home utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. On average, that’s 7% of a consumer’s annual income. Utilities that used to be considered “optional,” such as Internet and mobile phone service, are now considered essential during the coronavirus era, adding additional expense to a family’s monthly budget.

So where can a homeowner look to cut back?

When thinking of a smart home, some people might just think of cool, connected gadgets that make life easier or more convenient. However, many smart-home solutions are becoming part of sustainable living, and they can save you money along the way.

Here are four ways you can introduce smart-home solutions into your daily life, reducing the monthly strain of high utility bills.

Don’t sacrifice efficiency for comfort — automate your thermostat

Homes are a source of comfort and the temperature of your home should help you achieve that feeling. However, heating and cooling can account for nearly half of a family’s monthly utility budget. A smart thermostat, like the Honeywell Home T9 thermostat, can reduce this cost by tailoring to your temperature preferences during the day and at night. By adding smart room sensors to your most popular rooms, you can deliver the right temperature to the right room at the right time. Look for trusted brands that are Energy Star certified. You'll be doing your pocketbook and the environment a favor.

Sign up for rebates

When a sudden heat wave or cold snap hits a large swath of the country, air conditioning systems and heaters in houses, apartments, hospitals and office buildings all crank on at once, and utility companies go into overdrive trying to meet their clients’ increased energy demands.

This kind of short-term increased demand puts a strain on the electric grid and can even become a public safety hazard if overloaded systems crash just when consumers most need them. To prevent this, utility companies implement a variety of voluntary energy-saving programs (known in the industry as demand response, or DR) that incentivize consumers to reduce their energy use during periods of peak demand.

Many utility companies offer consumers a rebate for joining energy savings programs that connect to smart thermostats. You can search for rebates at Resideo.com/rebates.

Light up the room, but only when you’re in it

Parents can often tell the exact path their children have taken based on what lights have been left on throughout the house. Turning off lights is an easy thing to forget, even as adults. We’ve all accidentally left that closet light or bedroom lamp on all day. Consider installing automated and motion-activated lighting solutions. With easy DIY installation, a weekend lighting project can give you long-term energy savings. Interested to know how much energy and cost are associated with running various home appliances? You can find an energy calculator at Energy.gov.

Get to know your water usage

Most of us don’t think twice when turning on the faucet, flushing the toilet or running a warm bath, which takes energy to heat. Water is our planet’s most precious resource, but it’s something we take for granted because it’s available at the turn of a tap. Monitoring and being aware of your water footprint can help reduce your monthly bill, while reducing strain on water supplies. For example, your money goes down the drain when dishes are washed by hand — using up to 27 gallons per load — instead of using an Energy Star certified dishwasher that can use as little as three gallons per load.

Smart washing machines can help you optimize your laundry preferences — and can find the right wash cycle and water-temperature preferences suitable for that load.

Resideo’s Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector can alert you and your smartphone if it detects a possible water leak.

Are you feeling like you want to start improving your home's efficiency, but don’t know how to begin? HVAC contractors and security dealers are considered essential businesses during the coronavirus in many states. Most credible professionals have adjusted their protocols when interacting with homeowners as well. Contact a professional that can recommend efficient whole-home solutions to help optimize your home's water and energy resources.

(BPT) - Autumn is a wonderful time of year — leaves show brilliant colors, there’s a refreshing crispness in the air — but, unfortunately, more bugs and rodents are finding their way into your home. As the season changes, insects and other critters are searching for places to hunker down for the cold weather and scoping out new food sources.

A recent survey conducted on behalf of Tomcat found that 73% of consumers said they would do whatever it takes to get rid of rodents. Over 21 million households see rodents in their homes every winter, and more than 60 million households experience insects indoors. Insects and rodents can be a real health hazard, bringing dirt and diseases into your house.

While everyone is spending more time at home, they’re also noticing signs of unwanted visitors in their homes more than ever before. According to a recent survey conducted by Ortho, the number one reason consumers moved away from a professional pest service in 2020 was COVID-19. For health and safety reasons, many were just not willing to invite new people inside their homes. Instead, they've opted to try to handle the problem themselves.

Why wait to discover evidence of pests in your home to take action? If you wait until you see one insect or rodent, there are likely many more already lurking in the nooks, crannies — and walls — of your home. The best way to deal with these unwanted intruders is to be proactive, and keep them out of your house in the first place.

To help you better prepare to prevent bugs and rodents from entering your home this fall, Ortho and Tomcat's Gretchen White, Home Pest Scientist, has shared the following tips:

1. Keep your home clean

Inside:

• Clean up food crumbs or spills promptly. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Store food in containers that can’t be chewed through. Especially pet food.
• Use a trash can with a lid in the kitchen.
• Keep pipes and drains in good repair, as bugs and critters also need sources of water.
• Clear out piles of debris, newspapers or cardboard that could be used by rodents for nesting material in garages, attics or basements where rodents might take up residence.

Outside:

• Keep trash containers tightly closed, and store bird food or seeds in sealed containers.
• Check around your home for piles of leaves, debris or wood where insects and rodents can nest.
• Remove any standing water.
• Make sure your chimney is capped.
• Seal any openings in the exterior of your home.
• Cut back any vegetation touching the exterior that pests could climb to gain access to any openings.

2. Block them from entering

Insects:

According to the Ortho survey, the most common pests homeowners try to get rid of are:

• Ants
• Crawling insects
• Spiders
• Flying insects
• Termites
• Carpenter ants
• Bed bugs

Unfortunately, it's hard to keep small insects from entering through holes and cracks you may not even see.

One easy solution is to use an indoor barrier product like Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier against all common household insects. It kills and deters ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, earwigs, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes and more. The fast-drying formula has no fumes and leaves no stains, so you can use it with confidence indoors. People and pets can reenter the space once the product has dried. It spreads easily into cracks, crevices, under appliances and into hard-to-reach places where insects hide. This is the perfect product to use before you even see any insects — putting down a preventative barrier to keep bugs out.

Rodents:

Rats and mice can enter your home through small holes, cracks or crevices — even as small as a dime. Check your home's exterior for holes or cracks and seal with caulk, expanding foam, or weather-stripping depending on the size and where you find the holes. When possible, use these flexible materials in combination with those that rodents can’t chew through, such as steel wool, hardware cloth, galvanized sheet metal and cement.

Those measures aren't fool-proof, however. You can also keep rodents from even trying to come inside by spraying potential points of entry like doors, windows, pipes, cracks, crevices and vents with Tomcat Repellents Rodent Repellent Continuous Spray, which uses essential oil technology to give off a smell and taste rodents naturally hate, but is safe to use around kids and pets when used as directed. It's easy to apply, and features a no-stink, long-lasting rain-resistant formula.

Following these tips will help give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your home this fall — and year-round — without the constant worry, annoyance and potential health risks insects and rodents can bring.

(BPT) - September is the most common month for hurricanes to make U.S. landfall, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and with severe storms and tornadoes appearing around the country, it is more important than ever to take steps and be prepared before, during and after a storm.

One of the biggest threats during any storm is tree damage.

A tree might seem like it would be able to sustain the forces of a large storm, but whether it is unseen internal damage, wet, unstable ground, or proximity to power lines, trees are vulnerable during severe storms and can present a significant hazard. The following tips from expert arborist and STIHL spokesperson Mark Chisholm can help you protect yourself, your family and your property from a storm.

Before the storm

Develop a relationship with a certified tree care professional. By choosing the right company ahead of time, you’ll likely be prioritized as an existing customer when a storm does hit.

Conduct a pre-storm assessment and identify trouble spots

A pre-storm assessment can help you identify potential hazards on your property such as cracks in tree trunks or major limbs, hollow or decayed trees, limbs extending over a roof, or trees in close proximity to power lines.

Take measures to prevent damage

After assessing possible hazards to your property, consider measures to limit potential damage. Remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs. Inspect leaning trees and consider removing those with large cavities. Prune branches that are too close to your house and over the street, and check your gutters and be sure to remove any debris to prevent water damage. For any work in and around your home, consider calling a professional, and always call a professional to assess and/or remove anything within close proximity to utility lines. Never attempt to do this yourself.

During the storm

Don’t try to be a hero. Your property is not more important than your life. Prepare in advance, follow guidelines for evacuation and shelter.

After the storm

More people are injured after a storm than during one. Storm damaged trees present unique challenges and dangers. Put safety first. Evaluate what you can handle and what's for a professional — anything not on the ground should definitely be handled by a professional. Some things could be a threat to your life such as large broken or hanging limbs where chainsaw work is needed, or branches that are too close to a utility line. Never approach or attempt to move downed utility lines and report branches close to or touching utility lines immediately.

If you’re skilled enough to do the work yourself, always wear proper attire and protective equipment including boots, gloves, protective glasses, chainsaw protective pants, a helmet system and hearing protection. Never operate a chainsaw from a ladder, roof, in a tree or while standing on any other insecure surface — leave these jobs for the pros.

Evaluate damage

A storm-damaged tree may not have to be removed. Inspect your trees to see if they’re healthy despite storm damage. If at least 50% of the tree’s crown is still intact, and the remaining branches can form a new branch structure, then there is a good chance the tree can be saved.

Repair minor damage & debris

Remove any broken branches, stubs or jagged remains of limbs. Smaller branches should be pruned at the point where they join larger ones. Don't worry if the tree's appearance is not perfect.

Stay educated

Learn more tips on tree safety, chainsaw safety, finding a tree care professional, and how to prepare for storms by visiting STIHLUSA.com.

(BPT) - As people have been spending more time at home and watching their utility bills increase, solar energy is becoming a topic of interest. In fact, even with more constrained purchasing practices in many households in the current environment, a recent Harris Poll research study revealed a 13 percent increase in consumer interest in solar energy since mid-March.

That’s not surprising, given that the installation of solar panels can save homeowners hundreds of dollars in monthly utility bills, boost the value of their homes and provide peace of mind about helping the environment. Thankfully, making solar energy part of your daily life has never been easier.

If you are among the millions of American homeowners considering making the logical step to solar energy, here are some facts from renewable energy experts.

Solar works all day, year-round, in any weather

Your solar energy system gathers the most energy from full sun, but it can still work at 10 to 25 percent capacity on overcast days. What about snowy days? Your system will still gather some energy even if it’s partially covered, and high-quality solar panels are designed both to withstand significant amounts of accumulated snow and to help melt it away.

It’s easier than ever to go solar

There are new tools to walk you through the technology and financing you would need to get started with a solar installation or conversion. One such personal solar advisor is called “Solar Concierge.” This program from LG Solar takes a consultative approach, without high-pressure sales tactics, helping you determine whether solar meets your objectives and sets you up with an installer if you’re interested.

Solar panels pay for themselves

By offsetting what you pay for electricity, solar panels can pay for themselves. The payoff date depends on the size and cost of your system, the amount of energy you use and the rebates and incentives you employ. Generally, for the first eight years or so, your annual investment in solar power will likely equal the amount you would otherwise pay to power your home in other ways. After that time, your solar power will essentially be free and should continue to work efficiently for many more years.

Not all panels are created equal

Because solar panels can vary so much, you’ll want to conduct research before finalizing your purchase. Check reputable buyer’s guides and seek a company that has a long history of high-quality design innovation, testing and manufacturing, looking for evidence of both cutting-edge solar technologies and global sustainability. Find a brand you can trust with a 25-year warranty. When choosing products, note that some of today’s high-efficiency panels generate nearly 20 percent more energy than conventional panels of the same size. With higher-efficiency panels, you may even have surplus green energy to sell back to your local utility provider.

Solar systems can be designed to work with most roofs

These days, a number of options are available for securely connecting your panels regardless of the limited space your roof might have or what it’s made of. A solar installer can assess your roof’s maximum weight load and your city’s building code before designing a solar system that works for your home. Homeowners can choose from a range of designs, including sleek and premium panels that deliver a modern aesthetic.

To find more information about the solar system that’s ideal for your home, please visit lg.com.

(BPT) - The kitchen is the heart of the home for many good reasons. It serves as a central location for people to cook and catch up. It's the ideal place for entertaining and visiting. From birthday celebrations to baking adventures, it's the location of countless memories. Additionally, the kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in a home to renovate and upgrade.

Installing a new backsplash with glass, ceramic or mosaic tile is one of the fastest, easiest, most affordable options for kitchen improvements. What's more, with some new tips and tools, a backsplash becomes an easy DIY project that can be completed in as little as one weekend. Pairing a new backsplash with a paint job and simple cabinet hardware changes can dramatically transform the entire look of your kitchen, all at a modest price. For example, the cost of a 20-square-foot backsplash is under $100 in installation materials plus the tile.

Installing a backsplash yourself might seem difficult, but with some smart products, DIYers of all abilities can complete this transformative project. For example, instead of messy mixes for adhering tile, use no-mix SimpleSet, a premixed thin-set mortar that spreads quickly and easily. This is recommended to bond porcelain, stone, marble, granite and ceramic tile up to 15 inches, so you can easily create the tile backsplash of your dreams.

Another option that simplifies backsplash creation and eliminates messy mortars and mastics for bonding tile to wall is SimpleMat. This no-mix, no-mess alternative to traditional mastic installation products simplifies your project and helps ensure success. The easy-to-apply adhesive mat instantly bonds with the tile and retains bond strength for an extended time, so you can grout whenever you're ready.

One final trick to simplify a DIY backsplash is to use a pre-mixed grout like SimpleGrout. Because it's ready to go with no mixing, it's easy to use for the DIYer without the mess typically associated with grouting. Additionally, the sanded and crack-resistant formula resists stains for a long-lasting finish, so you'll enjoy your work now and for many years to come.

DIY kitchen backsplash steps

Are you ready to enhance your kitchen with a new backsplash? Follow these simple steps to make the project easier and faster, with great results you'll love to show off. Remember to put safety first when working on home projects by following manufacturer recommendations and wearing eye protection and gloves as needed.

Step 1: Measure your backsplash to determine the amount of tile, setting mat and grout needed for the project.

Step 2: If necessary, remove any wallpaper, tile or other existing coverings on the wall where the backsplash will be installed. In addition, make repairs to any damage to the wall to create a flat, smooth, stable surface for the bonding mat and the tile.

Step 3: Wipe the wall clean to remove surface dust or contaminants.

Step 4: Cut the two-sided adhesive mat to size, peel off the back to expose the wall-side adhesive and apply to the wall, overlapping sheets according to the instructions.

Step 5: Lay out and cut your tile in desired sizes and shapes. Remove the release liner to expose the adhesive ridges on the front of the mat. You do not need mortar. Set the tile in place on the wall and then firmly push the tile into the mat using your hand or a flat surface like a grout float to lock the tile into position. Mosaic tiles often come on 12” x 12” sheets that are already spaced for even easier application, or use grout spacers.

Step 6: Be sure to grout the tile with SimpleGrout within 24 hours after setting the tile into the adhesive. Apply the grout according to the directions, spread the grout using a grout float held at a 45-degree angle and make sure that grout fills every joint between the tiles.

Step 7: Remove excess grout and then wipe clean on a diagonal with a lightly damp sponge and microfiber towel using clean rinse water.

Step 8: Repeat the process until all of the tile has been grouted and cleaned.

With the wide variety of tile materials, shapes and designs, a backsplash is an easy way to update your kitchen to reflect your personality and modern style. Once your project is complete, you'll be ready to enjoy your new kitchen, whether it's taking a few extra moments to reflect while drinking your morning coffee or hosting a large celebration welcoming family and friends who will marvel at your DIY skills.

For more information visit www.thesimplemat.com and www.custombuildingproducts.com.

Six Tips To Celebrate Earth Day Right At Home

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 can be a good time for everyone to take some time to get outside, even if current conditions mean a community event to celebrate isn?t available. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to honor the Earth in your own backyard.

Research shows people who gardened for at least 30 minutes a week had lower body mass indexes (BMIs)?a measure of body fat?as well as higher levels of self-esteem and better moods overall. They also reported lower levels of tension and stress.

As people become more active during the warmer months, keeping home safety top of mind can sometimes go by the wayside. However, when it comes to fire and carbon monoxide safety, you can never be too prepared.

Whether you are just beginning to take a stronger safety-first approach or looking to upgrade existing home safety equipment, keep these tips in mind as you spruce up your home for the season.

Don't Just Check Batteries, Check the Alarm
It's a good idea to review your safety equipment and ensure everything is in good working order at least a couple times each year. For example, every type of smoke alarm must be completely replaced every 10 years whether it's hardwired into your home or operates on a battery. New smoke alarms commonly come with built-in 10-year batteries, meaning no battery changes, but it's a good idea to test the units regularly. In fact, most manufacturers recommend weekly. You can also use this time to double-check the gauge on your fire extinguishers, replace batteries in flashlights, test security systems and replenish first-aid kits.

Inspect and Repair Outdoor Areas
Set aside time to evaluate any damage or potential hazards as the weather warms. For example, fallen tree branches and leaves can become trapped in gutters and pose a fire hazard. Shutters and fences can also weaken over time. To make sure they're in good working condition, check that they are securely fastened.

Take Advantage of Smart Technology
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 40 years ago people had an average of 17 minutes to escape a home fire, but today the average has decreased to about 3 minutes due to synthetic materials used in modern-day home furnishings. To get the earliest warning of a home fire, install wire-free interconnected battery-powered combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When one alarm senses a hazard, all alarms throughout the home sound in unison. Features like color-coded status rings and built-in 10-year sealed batteries make Kidde's Wire-Free Interconnected Alarms a smart solution for optimal protection. They offer simple setup and operate without the hassle of hardwiring or a Wi-Fi connection.

Check Appliances
While going through your spring home safety checklist, take time to check your appliances or schedule an annual maintenance check for your stove, oven, heating system and more. According to the American Red Cross, dryers are responsible for approximately 9 of every 10 appliances fires. These common household appliances can collect dust, lint and other particles, which are potential fire hazards and can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

Keep Outdoor Activities in Mind
Cooking on grills is a popular pastime, but thousands of people are injured every year while using them. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 9,000 home fires are started by grills each year. Now is a good time to get your home's grilling area in tip-top shape. Keep a 3-foot safety zone around hot grills for children and pets, and have a multipurpose home fire extinguisher nearby as fires can occur unexpectedly. Propane and charcoal grills both put off carbon monoxide as a byproduct, so be sure keep your grill at least 10 feet from the home and ensure it is positioned away from windows, doors, vents and ductwork. (Family Features)

For more safety tips to better prepare your home, visit Kidde.com.

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or looking for an upgrade, deciding what lawn mower to purchase deserves careful consideration. Similar to day-to-day life, new technology over the last five years, specifically in the gas mower industry, is making it easier to maintain your lawn.

If you're in the market for a new mower, consider these tips to find the perfect tool to match your needs.

Yard Size
Looking at the size of your yard is the first step in determining the best mower for your needs. Walk-behind mowers work well for yards that are 1/2 acre or less, but for yards 1-3-acres or larger, a zero-turn rider (ZTR) or riding mower may be appropriate.

Terrain
A small, flat yard may only require a walk-behind mower. If your yard is sloped or hilly, you may prefer a self-propelled mower rather than one you have to push. A walk-behind mower with big back wheels is easier to maneuver across rough terrain. Riding mowers and ZTRs can handle varied terrain, although some handle better on slopes than others.

Engine
Engines are one of the most important factors affecting a mower's performance, so purchasing one with a quality engine is essential. For example, Briggs & Stratton engines can be found on several brands of lawn mowers, including eight of the top 10 walk-behind brands. As a global leader in gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, these engines power mowers ranging from small walk-behinds to large ZTRs and riding mowers.

Special Features
While certain features may add to the cost of lawn mowers, many provide functions worth considering. One popular option is a mulching blade, which returns finely cut grass pieces to the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Another common choice is a bagging attachment, which is a grass-catching bag that can be affixed to the side or back of the mower to collect grass clippings.

Technology to Get the Job Done
Explore high-tech features that make mowing more manageable with these insights from professional home improvement contractor Jason Cameron, host of DIY Network's Desperate Landscapes.

Avoid disturbing the neighbors. If finding time to mow means you might be inconveniencing your neighbors, a mower designed to operate quietly may be what you need. To take advantage of weekend mornings without bothering others, look into modern models, some of which even feature technology to make the mower quieter than the average gas mower.

Skip oil changes. Seasonal maintenance can help keep your mower in top condition, and new innovations allow you to skip the messiest part: oil changes. Some mowers, specifically those with Briggs & Stratton's No Oil Changes technology, are built with the intent that you never have to change the oil; you can simply check the level at the beginning of the season and add what you need.

Get an assist starting the engine. You can forget the days when starting a mower was a hassle; many of today's gas-powered mowers feature the starting reliability of lithium-ion battery technology, so you can unleash the power of gas with the push of a button.

Save space in the garage. If storage is a challenge in your garage, look for a compact model with Briggs & Stratton's Mow N Stow technology, which makes storage easy. This patented design allows owners to fold the mower and store it upright without fuel or oil leaks, saving you up to 70% of the storage space in your garage or shed.

Explore more ways to put technology to work in your yard at briggsandstratton.com. (Family Features)

A family getaway is the perfect chance to unwind and reconnect with loved ones away from the distractions of daily life. However, peak travel times like Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekend are some of the busiest times of the year, which can mean limited options.

Booking travel early not only gives you more time to get excited leading up to your trip - it gives you more time to plan, helping take some of the stress out of family vacation.

"The key is to book vacation homes before traffic peaks, so you'll find the best selection for the amount you want to pay," said Melanie Fish, Vrbo family travel expert. "There are clear times when demand surges. Booking your stay before that surge ensures you'll get that house with a pool right on the beach or that mountain cabin with enough beds for all the cousins."

If you're considering one of these high travel periods for a family trip in 2020, get ahead of the curve with these tips for advance booking dates from the travel experts at Vrbo.

Memorial Day
Marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is an ideal time for a beach getaway. Make travel plans by mid-April so you can soak up the sunshine and get away from it all to celebrate the long weekend.

Summer
Summer is the ultimate time to take a family beach vacation, and for the best selection you'll want to make reservations before the end of April, especially if you're considering a vacation home. Staying in a vacation home can take the stress out of a family summer vacation, particularly as extra space means extra bedrooms for the adults to relax after the kids go to bed. Top destinations with many vacation homes to choose from include Panama City Beach, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Fourth of July
Fourth of July falls on a Friday this year, which means families from coast to coast will be enjoying a long weekend together, whether it's the immediate clan or extended relatives, too. Be sure to make travel arrangements by late May for the best selection and rates.

Labor Day
Often considered the final hurrah of summer, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to kick back and relax. A vacation home at the lake or beach can allow you to take advantage of amenities like outdoor grills so you can enjoy one last sun-kissed meal with the family. Make plans by the end of July, especially if you're considering a popular destination like Myrtle Beach. (Family Features)

Find more travel tips and start planning your family getaway at vrbo.com.

(BPT) - Updating the bathroom with the latest trends is something many homeowners desire, but the thought of a complete remodel can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many easy and accessible upgrades that you can make that will transform your bathroom and add value to your home.

Consider these three easy bathroom projects that reflect today's hottest trends while adhering to any style home:

Update an existing vanity

If you have a dated vanity that has good bones, there's no need to replace it. You can take charge with some DIY elbow grease and update it instead. For example, if you have a honey oak vanity that you want to update to a more current style, start by removing all hardware and cover to protect floors and vanity top. Then sand the surface and paint with primer so it's ready for your choice of color and finishes.

Next, paint the entire vanity in the color of your choice. Gray vanities are currently popular and will project a contemporary feeling while white is timeless and conveys cleanliness. Another trend is to feature color on the bathroom vanity, such as blue or green, which adds visual interest to the space. Depending on your preference you might finish with a gloss for a modern look or distress the edges for a farmhouse style. Complete the upgrade with new hardware and you'll have an entirely new look in your bathroom.

Add subway tile bath surrounds

Custom tile bath projects are complex and costly, but the new Traverse bath and shower solution from Sterling Plumbing makes it simple to update your space with style and functionality. The uniquely designed four-piece wall set is easy to move and install, with a clean, contemporary style featuring a glossy subway tile facade that is manufactured out of proprietary Vikrell material that provides strength, durability and beauty.

Installing a Traverse is easy because it has smaller components for trouble-free transportation around corners and up and down stairways that lead to the bathroom. The self-guiding alignment and tongue-and-groove joints make installation straightforward and minimizes future maintenance. Additionally, Sterling's patented Dry-Block seal and water containment channels form watertight seams for a caulk-free installation. Learn more at www.sterlingplumbing.com.

Upgrade flooring for custom style

It's simple to put a fresh coat of paint on the ceiling so when you look up, your bathroom appears clean and updated. But what about when you look down? If the floors have seen better days, it's time to replace them. You may long for marble tile or exotic wood floors, but these projects are expensive and can be time-consuming. Luckily, there are many affordable modern vinyl options that are humidity safe, slip resistant and durable, making them ideal for use in the bathroom.

Today's vinyl has come a long way from the cheap-looking sheets from decades ago. With a little research, you can discover modern vinyl options made to look like myriad materials including mosaic tile, natural stone, wood planks and more. Often you can use the existing floor as the sub-floor, so there's no need to remove it. Always research the manufacturer's recommendations, but typically modern vinyl flooring is easy to install with features that snap together and are simple to cut to size.

Today's top bathroom trends are easily within reach when you research projects and products that help streamline your efforts. Whether you choose to do one of these projects or all three, you'll be amazed how these changes can impact the overall appearance of the bathroom.

(BPT) - Did you know that one in four Americans keep their cars for an average of seven years or more? Nearly another third (29%) say they typically own their car for three to four years. With Americans keeping their vehicles on the road for the better part of a decade, it's important to implement consistent maintenance habits to ensure a smooth ride.

Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index survey examined how long drivers keep their cars. The following are tips for drivers looking to keep their cars cruising well into the 2020s:

1. Keep it on the calendar

Whether consistency comes based on a mileage amount or a specific date on the calendar, setting and keeping regular tune-up appointments is a simple way to keep your car healthy. Regular maintenance inspections can be a great time to evaluate other parts of your car, not just what’s beneath the hood. For example, most drivers (78%) also use their maintenance routine as a chance to check their tires. And, be sure to examine your windshield wipers and headlights to see if they need to be replaced.

2. Adjust for the seasons

Hankook also found that over two-thirds of Americans (69%) say all-season tires are interchangeable with winter tires. In some cases, that might be true, but if you live in a climate with drastic weather swings as the seasons change, that can be like saying your favorite T-shirt is suitable for a frigid winter storm. Winterizing your vehicle when the temperatures drop can help it last not only through the colder months but also avoid potentially bigger problems down the road. Consider swapping the all-seasons for a set of winter wheels.

3. Repair and replace (when needed)

Sometimes, a routine oil change will shed light on a maintenance issue that requires more attention. In that event, consider your repair vs. replace decisions carefully — is the option you're choosing a temporary bandage, or will it help lengthen the life of your vehicle in the long run? For many, this depends on what needs replacing, and whether that part is considered "essential". For example, only 30% of drivers will replace their tire pressure monitoring system sensors if they were to break. However, these sensors can offer vital information about the pressure in your tires, which has a lasting impact on your driving experience.

4. Clean it up

Keeping your car clean is about more than appearances - it can also help keep it running smoothly for much longer because dirt and grime can cause corrosion to the paint and even more, especially if it gets into the mechanics of the car. For those driving over salted winter roads, regular car washes become an even more significant step to extending your vehicle's lifespan, as winter road salt can be particularly corrosive.

No matter if your vehicle is brand new, or you're looking to hold on to an old-timer a little longer, these tips from Hankook tire can keep you steering straight into the next year, decade and perhaps even beyond.

(BPT) - As days grow longer and new blooms appear, it can only mean one thing: Spring is here and with it comes the task of spring cleaning. For people with allergies, spring cleaning does more than spruce up a home. When done correctly, it removes dust, mold, dander and other allergy triggers so you can feel your best.

"There are specific things you can do while cleaning that can dramatically improve allergy symptoms," says Dr. J. Allen Meadows, allergist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "When you spring clean to remove allergens, you can breathe easier plus enjoy a sparkling home."

Meadows and the experts at ACAAI recommend these steps when cleaning for allergies. Before you begin, keep in mind that when you clean you come in contact with many allergens. You may want to take allergy medication beforehand and if your allergy is severe, consider wearing an N95 filter mask while dusting or scrubbing.

Step 1: Dust thoroughly

Dust all surfaces in your home with a damp rag or microfiber cloth made for cleaning. Avoid using any kind of duster that simply kicks dust into the air. Additionally, clean vents and return registers to limit dust recirculating and finish by wet mopping tile and other hard flooring. Don't neglect the area under the beds, which can get dusty and should be cleaned often. Eliminating dust helps your home shine and also removes some of the most notorious indoor allergy triggers.

Step 2: Clean carpets

Start by moving all furniture off the carpet. Then vacuum well with a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Meadows does not advise shampooing carpet, because it can cause dust mite eggs to hatch. If you are using diluted bleach and water solution for spot treatments or to kill mold, make sure someone other than the allergy sufferer does the cleaning because bleach can trigger asthma.

Step 3: Clean window treatments

Window treatments like curtains and valances can be a magnet for dust and pollen yet are often ignored when it comes to cleaning. This spring, make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and wash or dry clean window treatments. Remember, opening windows allows pollen and other allergens into your home, so during peak allergy season keep them closed, and whenever possible, use air conditioning in your car and home.

Step 4: Wash bedding

Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water that is at least 130 degrees F. This temperature kills dust mites and effectively removes allergens. If bedding can't be washed at this hot temperature, place items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at 130 degrees or above. For children with allergies, do the same with their stuffed animals.

Step 5: Replace air filters

At the start of every season change the air filter in your furnace. This helps the HVAC system run efficiently while also filtering out air particles - including allergens -to keep your home's air as clean as possible. Consider setting an alarm for every three months as a reminder and use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. This is also a good time to clean the drip pans in appliances like the refrigerator.

Step 6. Control humidity

Bathrooms, basements and tiled spaces are prone to mold, so spring is a good time to deep clean. A bleach cleaner works well to eliminate mold or make your own by mixing borax and water. Next, help prevent mold from developing through moisture control. Always run bathroom fans when bathing or showering, clean up any standing water immediately and use a dehumidifier if needed to keep humidity below 60%.

"Spring cleaning is a great step in allergy control," says Meadows. "However, if you continue to suffer from allergy or asthma symptoms, see a board-certified allergist to help you control your symptoms and live the life you want. You can find an allergist near you at acaai.org/locate-an-allergist."

(BPT) - Whether hosting family and friends for your first or fifteenth time, you want your home to be ready to impress. Here are five simple ways to make sure your home is refreshed and ready for any entertaining occasion.

1. Refresh kitchen counters

Since the kitchen is where people mingle the most, don't leave old, dirty caulk to be the focal point behind your delicious spread! Spruce up your countertop and backsplash by removing and replacing the old caulk. Consider using a caulk that's formulated specifically to ward off dirt and mold.

2. Repair imperfections and paint on walls

It's inevitable that scuffs and scratches will appear on walls over time. A fresh coat of paint in key areas, like the living room, bathroom and guest bedroom, will help the entire home feel clean and fresh. Be sure to first prep walls by filling holes and cracks with spackling compound for a smooth finished surface. DAP DryDex Spackling takes the guesswork out of drying time with an indicator that goes on pink and dries white so you know when it's ready to sand and paint.

3. Clean and prep the floors

If you have the time, schedule a carpet cleaning before your guests are scheduled to arrive. And, consider applying a fast-drying polish to hardwood floors for a squeaky-clean finish. It's also a good idea to keep a multi-surface vacuum in an easy-to-access location for quick spot cleans and pick-ups.

4. Salvage broken decor

Don't fret when you notice a decor item has cracked or broken. Instead, grab a strong, fast-setting glue to make simple, long-lasting repairs before guests arrive. DAP RapidFuse All Purpose Adhesive sets in 30 seconds and is two times more durable than other super glues - there's even a plastic primer available that will help with hard-to-fix plastic decor.

5. Update decorative accessories

Small updates like adding plants, rugs and throws to your space are low-cost but high impact. Lighting is another quick change that can really help warm a space. Consider swapping out the shades on your lamps or installing updated light fixtures for an entirely new look, but for a fraction of the cost.

With these easy tips, your home will feel fresh and welcoming year-round.

(BPT) - When it comes to passing down family memories, there's nothing like the visual impact of a photograph.

Family photos can remind us where we came from, preserve valuable information and bring up warm, fun and often comforting thoughts of times and people gone by. Sometimes, they just make us smile.

"Capturing a moment in time isn't just about securing a memory- it can help you appreciate your life more every day," advises Gretchen Rubin in Good Housekeeping. "Photos tilt your memories toward the good experiences you've had, simply because you're more likely to take photos of joyful times."

These days, Americans enjoy capturing photographic images more than ever. While most of those are safely stored in digital files, we often aren't as efficient when it comes to preserving the analog photos and negatives taken before the advent of digital cameras and smartphones. For many, that can mean those irreplaceable memories are at risk of fading into obscurity as they're stored away in some damp basement or dusty attic.

Fortunately, preserving your old analog photos without professional assistance need not be difficult, especially with some of the user-friendly tools now on the market. Consider these tips for making sure your personal history is saved for future generations.

Handle them with care. You may be used to carelessly flipping through your older photos, but the truth is the dirt and oil on your hands can easily accumulate and cause damage to old images. Experts recommend wearing non-scratching, microfiber or nitrile gloves as you sort and process them. Don't write on them at all (even the backs), and avoid grouping or attaching them with paper clips, rubber bands, tape, glue or other fasteners.

Store them protectively. Store loose analog photos and negatives separately from each other in acid-free boxes or in archival-quality photo albums (avoid albums with color pages and/or those labelled magnetic or no stick). Keep the boxes or albums in rooms that are stable, dry (with only 30% to 40% relative humidity) and clean. Minimal exposure to light, radiators, vents and atmospheric pollutants is ideal, and color photos and film negatives are best stored at temps of 40 degrees F or below.

Convert analog to digital. Of course, the safest way of keeping your photos safe is to make them digital, so they can be safely stored in the cloud. For example, Kodak lists several scanners on Amazon that can help you make that switch efficiently and effectively, including the self-contained Kodak Scanza, which can almost instantly process shots taken on analog film (in sizes of 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 and 8mm) and convert them to a digital JPG format without need of a flatbed scanner, processing lab or even a computer.

Make sure your new images last a lifetime. Photo printer docks allow you to print out special shots to place in a handmade or other decorative frame or give as gifts. When you wish to go from digital to analog, simply connect your smartphone, iPad, digital camera or USB Memory Stick to the Kodak Printer Dock to edit and print colorful, detailed 4x6 photos. The photos won't bleed or fade - and they will be waterproof - because photos printed from the Dock feature a special laminated protection layer.

Your analog photos are irreplaceable and well worth keeping safe, for your enjoyment and the enjoyment of future generations. Consider investing in the materials and tools that can make the preservation process easy and efficient for all.

(BPT) - With the latest flagship smartphones like the iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S10 carrying price tags near $1,000, upgrading to a premium phone may seem out of reach to someone on a limited budget.

But it doesn't have to be. The pace of smartphone innovation has slowed from the breakneck speed of a few years back. In fact, the most recent tweaks to brand-new models have tended to be more about refining existing features than rolling out indispensable new technology.

What that means is that slightly older models - the flagships of two or even three years ago - can offer a great deal for users looking for an upgrade that won't break the bank.

Older versions priced to sell

Think of buying a smartphone the way you would buying a car. Dealers always put the latest models, with the biggest price tag, out front. But look around the lot and you'll find plenty of perfectly good choices from recent model years that have gone unsold - and that the dealer needs to move.

Smartphone manufacturers are no different than auto makers. Once they've released their latest flagship devices, usually in the fall, prices on previous flagships are slashed - some by hundreds of dollars - to clear out the backlog of inventory. These phones are in perfect condition, have near state-of-the-art features, and manufacturers still support them with critical operating system upgrades. They're just not the newest model anymore.

Great features, great prices

Here are some recent examples. When Apple released the iPhone 11 series last September, the price of its 2017 flagship iPhone 8 fell to less than $500 - and the iPhone 7 from just one year earlier dropped to nearly half that.

Both models still offer terrific performance, top-notch cameras, and all the perks of Apple's iOS ecosystem. Apple even supports these older models with as many as five or six operating system updates, meaning they will still be running with the latest performance and security upgrades for upwards of four years.

For Android users, the support window is slightly less, but there are still great deals to be found. Samsung officially supports its releases for three years with monthly security updates, then a single year of quarterly updates. Currently, 2018's Samsung Galaxy S9, with features like an infinity-edge display, 12 MP camera, and wireless charging can be had for just over $500 - several hundred dollars less than its marketplace successor, the Galaxy S10.

More ways to save

Those good deals can get even better depending on the cellular provider you choose. After all, if you're going to be upgrading your phone, why not shop for the best wireless bargain at the same time?

For example, Consumer Cellular earns consistently great reviews for its low prices and customer service. In addition, it offers a unique way to make phone upgrades even more affordable, with a program called EasyPay financing. On select devices, customers can make a small down payment - often as little as $10 - then pay the remaining balance in installments added to their wireless bill. These monthly payments are as low as $5, with 0% interest.

The bottom line is, you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a premium smartphone. If you're willing to sacrifice just a few bells and whistles, you can save hundreds of dollars and still experience very nearly the best that the brilliant minds at Apple, Samsung, Google, and other modern manufacturers have to offer.

(Family Features) Whether you're thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started.

Create a Plan
Improving your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Start by setting realistic expectations, determining your goals and needs, finding inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, setting a budget.

Renovate the Bathroom
You can improve your home's usability and increase its value with bathroom updates or a full renovation. Before you get started, think about these factors: the amount of space and storage you need, features that are important to you, sustainability concerns and accessibility considerations.

Update the Kitchen
The kitchen serves as command-central for most homes, and you can get the most enjoyment out of yours by making purposeful changes, reconsidering the physical space, re-evaluating your shopping style and choosing appliances with care.

Start a Remodel
If it's time for a serious undertaking, a full-blown remodel may be necessary (or simply desired). Remodeling typically calls for hiring a professional contractor, a process you can go about by gathering local recommendations, asking for licensing and insurance, checking references and comparing bids.

Find more home improvement ideas and solutions at remodelingdoneright.com and eLivingtoday.com.

Celebrate Agriculture

(Family Features) From the food on your table to the clothes on your back, agriculture provides a variety of things you eat, wear and use daily. Those items don't magically arrive at the store or appear in your home, however.

Each American farmer feeds about 165 people, according to the Agriculture Council of America, an organization comprised of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture's role in modern society. Learning more about the industry can allow individuals to make more informed choices about everything from their diets to legislation.

In honor of the 47th annual National Ag Day, March 24, 2020, with the theme "Food Brings Everyone to the Table," consider these activities that can help you learn more about how the agriculture industry impacts daily life.

Make a Farm-to-Table Meal
Making a meal together is an easy activity for spending quality time with your entire family, but you can turn it into a learning experience and an opportunity to talk about where food comes from by combining seasonal produce like asparagus, peas, broccoli, oranges and lemons with ingredients your state is known for such as pork, apples, almonds, beef or corn, for example.

Research Agricultural Issues
From climate change and protecting air, soil and water to feeding a growing global population and using technology to improve food production, there are a variety of issues facing the agriculture industry. To be more aware of what the future may hold, consider making yourself more familiar with some of the challenges farmers face.

Consider Agricultural Careers
For students and young adults considering their futures, joining the 22 million people who work in agriculture-related fields can be a rewarding pursuit. While the most obvious careers in agriculture are directly related to the farm or ranch, today's agriculture offers more than 200 careers from research and engineering to food science, landscape architecture, urban planning and more.

Tour a Local Farm or Dairy
Taking a tour of a farm or dairy (or both) can provide a better understanding of how food and fiber products are produced and the role agriculture plays in producing them. Make it a group outing with friends or family to help more people see the process food goes through from production to sitting on store shelves.

Contact Legislators in Support of Farm and Food Initiatives
The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 created reform for United States Department of Agriculture programs through 2023. To get more hands-on, you can contact your legislators to show support for farming initiatives like local FFA and 4-H programs as well as those that can help improve opportunities for farmland leasing, subsidies, urban gardening, food hubs and other ag-focused resources and operations.

Visit a Farmers Market
Open seasonally, farmers markets can provide a perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with your food and the people who grow it. Prices are usually competitive with traditional grocery stores and oftentimes better, plus some markets offer free samples as well as music and games so you can make an event out of picking up some fresh produce to use in family meals.

Volunteer at a Community Garden
Many cities and neighborhoods, even those in more urban areas, provide plots of land community members can use to grow food for themselves or to donate within the community. Consider setting aside some time each week to give back by cleaning out flower beds, laying mulch or planting flowers and crops in the designated areas.

Find more ways to celebrate agriculture at agday.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) Energy bills are likely among the largest expenses for homeowners, but you can take action to lower those costs. During a remodel, a certified contractor can help you make smart decisions when it comes to selecting appliances, windows and insulation for your projects.

Though upgrades made with efficiency in mind can vary depending on the climate you live in, the biggest energy users are typically the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and water heater, all of which make up about 60% of a typical home's energy budget.

Learn how you can reduce your home's energy reliance and environmental impact with these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry:

Insulation
Studies show that only 20% of homes built before 1980 were well-insulated. Depending on when your home was built, adding insulation in the attic and walls can be one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste. Not only does better insulation reduce energy loss and improve comfort, it's an upgrade that generally adds to the value of your home with an estimated 95% return on your investment.

Windows
High-performance windows not only lower heating and cooling bills, they also reduce heat gain during warmer months and add a layer of insulation when you need to keep the heat inside. Triple-pane, Low-E insulated frame windows can save 33% of the heating cost for a typical home in cooler climates, and in hotter environments, double-pane, low solar-gain windows can reduce cooling costs by up to 32%.

Lighting
The average house dedicates 5-10% of its energy budget to lighting. To cut your use, switch to LED lights, turn off unneeded lights and, where possible, use natural light. Other measures, like relying on task lights and installing motion detectors, can help further limit your lighting-related energy usage.

Appliances
The refrigerator is a major energy drain, accounting for up to 15% of the energy bill in some homes, particularly models that are 15 years old or older. Design plays a major role in a refrigerator's efficiency; it needs adequate air flow for optimal function. Be realistic about your needs and only buy as big a unit as you require. Be aware that icemakers and dispensers not only add to the up-front cost, they're also less efficient. As with any appliance, shop for a model that offers as many energy-saving features as you can afford.

Landscaping
Trees positioned to reduce summer sun and winter wind can reduce a household's energy use by 25% or more. In summer, trees can lower air temperature as much as 9 F through shading and evapotranspiration. In winter, a well-designed landscape can cut heating bills by about one-third.

Find more tips for creating a more energy-efficient home at remodelingdoneright.com.

(BPT) - Whether the length of your drive is three hours or 30 minutes, it can seem an eternity with a bored child in the car. A little planning will ensure your next road trip with one or more children will be happy and safe, no matter where you're going.

Here's how you and your kids can stay safe and enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.

1. Factor in time for pit stops

Don't try to crush a several-hour driving marathon to get there quickly. Children need frequent breaks to use the restroom, have a healthy meal and release their pent-up energy. Look for signs of restlessness and stop before kids get too out of sorts.

When you stop, find a safe spot where your kids can stretch their legs and run around a little. If they're sluggish, organize a quick game of tag or catch, or encourage them to do a jumping-jack competition.

If frequent stops are making you later than expected, call ahead to let people know you're off schedule. Better to take your time and arrive safe and happy.

2. Make sure kids stay buckled up, the whole time

Help keep your kids safe by making sure your child is buckled up every time, for every ride. As older kids get restless, they may unbuckle themselves during a long drive. Make sure you're checking periodically throughout the trip, not just when you first pull out of the driveway. After every rest stop or meal, ensure kids are buckled up before you head back on the road.

3. Bring games and dust off your creativity

Age-appropriate hand-held games and books can be good diversions for your children on long trips. Find audiobooks the whole family can listen to during the trip.

Recall games you played during road trips with your parents. Did you spot license plates from different states? Say a certain word when you saw an animal or certain type of car? How about a game of I Spy? Start a guessing game like 20 Questions, or use yes-or-no questions to guess a famous person one of you thinks up.

4. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat

No matter how long your trip is, children under 13 should never sit up front, for their own safety. Car safety standards and features, like air bags, are developed and tested with adult bodies in mind. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of up to 200 to 400 mph, and because kids's; bodies are still developing, they are safest in the back seat. Additionally, most crashes impact the front of the car, and the back seat is farthest from this impact.

5. Pack healthy snacks

Make sure each child has a refillable water bottle for the journey, plus healthy snacks they enjoy. Choose age-appropriate snacks that won't be a choking hazard, so you can focus on the road.

6. Bundle up safely

For the best protection in a car seat, your child's harness should fit snugly. A bulky coat can create extra space between the child and their harness, increasing risk of injury in a crash. To keep your child safe and warm on the ride, dress your child in a lighter jacket and place a blanket over the harness if needed.

7. Before you go: Check that they're in the right seat

A car crash can happen anywhere, anytime so the right car seat for your children's age and size is always important. Any upcoming road trip can be a good reminder to double-check that they're in the right seat for their safety and that it's installed correctly.

Enter your child's age, weight and height at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to check if they're in the right seat. On the website you can also get installation tips and find a location near you where a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you check the seat's installation.

Enjoy your road trip with the family using these tips, and you'll all be safer and happier. Trips like these can be memorable for all the right reasons, and you and your kids may even have fun along the way.

(BPT) - 2020 outdoor living trends are all about enjoying your backyard alfresco — but with the comfort and ease you expect from your indoor spaces. Today's outdoor spaces are transforming into an extension of the home. The current outdoor design also takes into account the look and feel of your entire home, including the interior and exterior, building materials and surroundings.

Connecting with nature: Biophilic design

Biophilic design is achieved when natural elements are incorporated into the space, helping people feel connected to the natural environment. It creates a calm, tranquil space and reduces stress. Biophilia makes sense for indoor urban environments needing to bring the outdoors in, but how does it work when you're already outside?

Biophilic design for outdoor spaces means integrating natural elements with constructed elements to create a harmonious space. A plant wall or raised garden bed can integrate greenery and pops of color with the built elements of your outdoor space. It also means using natural materials, like wood and stone, to complement the surrounding environment.

Create greener, more sustainable spaces to celebrate the environment, which can help encourage pollinators, grow healthy food and forge a cohesive outdoor space. You can also use materials such as Belgard's permeable pavers, which allow water to drain through the surface, replenishing the soil and aquifers beneath your path, walkway or driveway.

More than just a grill

Today's homeowners want much more than a grill in the backyard. With aspirations to cook and entertain guests outdoors with everything the best outdoor kitchen can offer, the possibilities are endless - from grills to cooktops and ovens or even a wine cooler and an outdoor bar.

Homeowners also have many options when it comes to the design and price point of their outdoor kitchen. Some may lean toward a grill island, adding prep and storage space to their grilling station, while others might create a full-on outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, refrigerator, sink, seating area and more.

Either way, homeowners can get a feel for exactly what their space will look like before breaking ground through Belgard's design resources. The Belgard Design Studio takes a simple sketch, some dimensions and a couple of photos and turns it, using design software, into 3D animations and virtual reality experiences to give homeowners a sense of the finished product in their backyard.

Sleek, modern design

While it may seem contrary to the more organic approach of biophilic design, the contemporary trend toward sleek, modular furniture can enhance your outdoor space.

Modular, sectional pieces with clean lines and streamlined design can be arranged and re-arranged to accommodate any natural elements you want to incorporate in your space, or to handle different numbers of guests when entertaining.

The minimalist approach to furnishings also allows the natural elements around you to take center stage.

Multifunctional spaces

Whether your home is in an urban area with limited green space, or you want to optimize your outdoor living, get creative:

• Add vertical planters
• Hang hammocks for lounging
• Create built-in seating
• Build raised garden beds

Here’s where some of that modular seating can come in handy, too. Some urban homes make good use of their front porches and yards, instead, which invites more neighborhood engagement and a feeling of community.

Entertaining both night and day

Regardless of the time of day - or year - you and your family can relax comfortably in your outdoor sanctuary, thanks to modern technology and the latest outdoor installations:

• LED lighting is installed in a variety of ways. You can install strips of light and/or spotlights, even using multiple colors, to add flair at night.
• In the harsh sunlight, large umbrellas and movable shade walls or screens can keep your space cool and more comfortable.
• For cooler climates, an outdoor fireplace provides heat and light for cozy evenings in the yard.

Whether you have a straightforward vision for a patio or dream of elaborate outdoor living spaces, these ideas can help you create your oasis. For more information on how you can upgrade your outdoor space, visit Belgard.com.

(BPT) - As temperatures drop and we crank up the heat or turn to alternative power sources, the risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning significantly increases. Often dubbed the silent killer, CO is an invisible and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without a CO alarm.

Recent surveys revealed more than 40% of American homes do not have CO alarms, and nearly two-thirds of homes do not comply with established CO alarm recommendations. According to the National Fire Protection Association, CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home, including the basement, and near every sleeping area.

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, so it's vital to be prepared and aware! As one of America's favorite TV first responders, actor Taylor Kinney knows the importance of practicing and maintaining proper home safety precautions, which is why he is partnering with First Alert to share important messages about home safety.

"You never think your home will be the one to catch fire, but then it happened to me,"; said Kinney. " It's the same with carbon monoxide, which is why educating the public about CO is so important. The danger CO can cause in your own home is real, and the only way people can protect themselves is with an alarm."

Here are tips on how to avoid this preventable risk:

Hidden threat

Carbon monoxide can be produced from any fuel-burning device, such as furnaces, boilers, stoves and even cars. It is important to have appliances inspected annually and never use a generator indoors or anywhere CO can collect. Also, be mindful of the garage. Never leave a car running in a garage, even if the door is open, as fumes can leak into the home.

Know the symptoms

CO poisoning is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Because you can't see or smell carbon monoxide, you might not recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning, as they can be confused with those of the common cold or flu, such as nausea, headaches, dizziness and weakness.

Take action

Equipping your home with working CO alarms is the only way to detect this poisonous gas. For premium protection against both fire and CO, install combination alarms for 2-in-1 protection, such as the First Alert 10-Year Battery Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, which eliminates battery replacements for a decade. Once installed, maintenance is key. Remember to test your alarms regularly and replace alarms at least every 10 years. If CO symptoms appear, or if an alarm sounds, move to fresh air immediately and then call 911.

Establish a family emergency plan

Knowing and practicing what to do in the event of an emergency is crucial. Develop a plan in case of a fire or CO incident. This includes designating an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home and, once safely outside, calling 911. If CO symptoms appear, or if an alarm sounds, get everyone outside to fresh air immediately. Once out, stay out until the home is cleared and safe to re-enter.

For more information, visit www.firstalert.com.

(BPT) - You work hard for your money. Unfortunately, crooks work hard as well, attempting various tactics to take your money. If you fall for a scam, little can be done to help you get your money back. In order to keep your financial and personal information safe, it's necessary to look for red flags and be proactive about security.

Know the red flags

From classic methods to using sophisticated technology, criminals will try a variety of strategies to gain access to your money. If you experience any of the following, consider it a red flag and pause before you act:

• A person calls or emails, pretending to be someone you trust, such as a family member, government official or a well-known business or nonprofit organization. The intention is for you to let your guard down immediately.
• They push you to make decisions in a hurry, ask for personal information such as an authorization code, often threatening legal action or using intimidation tactics to get you to act. They know fast action can mean you won't think things through, causing you to make mistakes.
• They will ask for money through undetectable methods such as wire transfers and gift cards, or they may even send a check and ask you to return some of the money through these methods.

Learn the do's and don'ts

The Bank of America Privacy and Security Center provides key actions you can take to help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a scam:

• Don’t send money or give out your personal information in response to an unsolicited text, phone call or email. Companies will never call you and ask you for an authorization code.
• Don't be rushed to respond to unexpected requests. If they tell you not to tell anyone or they provide you with talking points to say to your bank or family, you can be absolutely sure it is a scam. Research, validate or talk to someone you trust. Look up the business and phone number online and contact them directly.
• Don't trust caller ID. Scammers can fake caller ID information so don't always trust the name and number that appears on-screen. If the caller asks for money or personal information, hang up and call back through a validated number.
• Don't deposit a check and immediately send back funds. Scammers will send a check and ask you to send a portion of it back by wire transfer, gift card codes or a form of cash payment. You might send the money back right away, but their check could still be returned unpaid, leaving you without any money.
• Don't fall for work from home scams. No legitimate company will require you to buy things or pay for equipment up front. Car logo, mystery shoppers, baby-sitting services are a few ways consumers are targeted.
• Do protect your devices by keeping your phone, tablet and computer updated with the latest browser, operating system and antivirus software. If you see a Microsoft pop-up claiming you have a virus on your computer and receive a phone call stating they need to take control of your computer to get rid of the malware, absolutely DO NOT fall for it. Take your laptop to a trusted company to physically clean your device.
• Do use secure methods of payment such as Zelle^® and Bill Pay. Zelle is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money in minutes¹ with friends and family and others you trust. It only uses your U.S. mobile number or email so your account information remains private. Bill Pay allows you to manage all your bills securely in a single place online, so you can pay bills with confidence.
• Do stay on top of account activity and ensure all contact information is up-to-date. With Bank of America's mobile app, turn on alerts and enable security features such as Face ID or Fingerprint Scanner to allow for simple and secure login.
• Do trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Your intuition is usually correct, so take the time to pause and evaluate before sharing personal info, sending money or revealing private data.

Learn more and find out about the latest scam and fraud prevention news by visiting www.bankofamerica.com/security.

(Family Features) From the food on your table to the clothes on your back, agriculture provides a variety of things you eat, wear and use daily. Those items don';t magically arrive at the store or appear in your home, however.

Each American farmer feeds about 165 people, according to the Agriculture Council of America, an organization comprised of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture's role in modern society. Learning more about the industry can allow individuals to make more informed choices about everything from their diets to legislation.

In honor of the 47th annual National Ag Day with the theme "Food Brings
Everyone to the Table," consider these activities that can help you learn more about how the agriculture industry impacts daily life.

Make a Farm-to-Table Meal
Making a meal together is an easy activity for spending quality time with your entire family, but you can turn it into a learning experience and an opportunity to talk about where food comes from by combining seasonal produce like asparagus, peas, broccoli, oranges and lemons with ingredients your state is known for such as pork, apples, almonds, beef or corn, for example.

Research Agricultural Issues
From climate change and protecting air, soil and water to feeding a growing global population and using technology to improve food production, there are a variety of issues facing the agriculture industry. To be more aware of what the future may hold, consider making yourself more familiar with some of the challenges farmers face.

Consider Agricultural Careers
For students and young adults considering their futures, joining the 22 million people who work in agriculture-related fields can be a rewarding pursuit. While the most obvious careers in agriculture are directly related to the farm or ranch, today's agriculture offers more than 200 careers from research and engineering to food science, landscape architecture, urban planning and more.

Tour a Local Farm or Dairy
Taking a tour of a farm or dairy (or both) can provide a better understanding of how food and fiber products are produced and the role agriculture plays in producing them. Make it a group outing with friends or family to help more people see the process food goes through from production to sitting on store shelves.

Contact Legislators in Support of Farm and Food Initiatives
The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 created reform for United States Department of Agriculture programs through 2023. To get more hands-on, you can contact your legislators to show support for farming initiatives like local FFA and 4-H programs as well as those that can help improve opportunities for farmland leasing, subsidies, urban gardening, food hubs and other ag-focused resources and operations.

Visit a Farmers Market
Open seasonally, farmers markets can provide a perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with your food and the people who grow it. Prices are usually competitive with traditional grocery stores and oftentimes better, plus some markets offer free samples as well as music and games so you can make an event out of picking up some fresh produce to use in family meals.

Volunteer at a Community Garden
Many cities and neighborhoods, even those in more urban areas, provide plots of land community members can use to grow food for themselves or to donate within the community. Consider setting aside some time each week to give back by cleaning out flower beds, laying mulch or planting flowers and crops in the designated areas.

Find more ways to celebrate agriculture at agday.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) A laundry room may be one of the spaces that you use the most, but cramped quarters and clutter can hinder your productivity. Eliminate the excuses and get your laundry room under control with these tips to add function to your washing routine.

Use space wisely. Your laundry room may not have a big footprint, but you probably have more usable space than you realize. Install shelves or storage units on the walls and consider the ceiling as a spot to hang a floating drying rack. Don't overlook the back of the door, where you can mount a storage system or use an over-the-door alternative.

Maximize storage. Many laundry rooms suffer from a lack of storage, which hinders space to fold and manage laundry while making the room less pleasant overall. A durable, attractive organization system like Dimensions by ClosetMaid can add instant organization and style to your laundry room. The system provides numerous design options, convenient accessories and configurations of cabinets and drawers, accommodating virtually any space.

Promote ventilation. Another common issue in laundry rooms is limited ventilation, which can promote mold, affect air quality and hinder air drying for special garments. A clever way to enhance ventilation while increasing your storage space is ventilated shelving that helps keep air flow moving. For example, ClosetMaid's Premium Wood Kits feature sturdy slatted shelves to stash your laundry essentials and can include accessories like hanging rods.

Create a folding station. One of the biggest laundry pitfalls is folding and putting away clean clothes. A clear, clean space in the laundry room can help nudge you toward completing the task more efficiently. If you have front-loading machines, it may be as simple as adding a counter or sturdy shelf above them. If you use top-loaders, you may need to get more creative. If there's room, a laundry sorter with a flat top is a good solution. Or if floor space is at a premium, you might consider a shelf that mounts to the wall and folds down when you need it.

Get inspired with more ideas to make your laundry room work for you at ClosetMaid.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

7 tips for choosing a qualified contractor

(Family Features) Outside of the home itself, remodeling is typically one of the largest investments you can make as a homeowner. While some projects can be tempting to tackle yourself, many larger-scale projects may require hiring a qualified professional.

Because remodeling your home is a big undertaking, it's important to take steps to ensure the professional you hire to perform the work is qualified to complete it to the highest standards of quality and integrity.

Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to help you make an informed decision when hiring a remodeling contractor.

Get Recommendations
One of the best ways to find qualified, professional help is through word-of-mouth referrals. Ask your relatives, friends, neighbors or co-workers - particularly if they've recently renovated their own homes- if they have any previous experience with companies they would recommend. Also consider searching online for reviews of companies in your area.

Stay Local
It's often best to consider established local remodeling companies first, as they are typically more compelled to perform high-quality work, which allows their businesses to thrive and remain in the community. Local professionals are also likely to know permit requirements and building codes in your city or county, which can change from year to year.

Follow Your Design Aesthetic
Whether your home features a mid-century modern, contemporary or farmhouse design style, it's critical to choose a remodeler who is knowledgeable in the construction and design of the style of your home. Additionally, a company that specializes in remodeling kitchens may not be suited for a bathroom or bedroom project.

Ask for Licenses and Insurance
Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured. Ask for copies of licenses and insurance certificates for any remodelers you’re considering to make sure they're current. Most states also require contractors to carry worker's compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance for their crews. Contact your state or local licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets the minimum requirements.

Check References
Once you've narrowed your list of potential contractors, ask for a list of references you can contact and a portfolio of work. A typical reference list includes 10 or more jobs with dates as well as the customer's name, address and phone number, and a portfolio should also contain at least 10 projects with photos of the space before work began, during the project and after completion. If possible, also consider visiting a current job site to see first-hand how the contractor operates.

Search for Violations or Complaints
Because you can't always rely on a portfolio or references, it's important to also check with your local consumer affairs office or the Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints on record for the contractors you're considering, which may help further narrow your list.

Compare Apples to Apples
While a number of different factors goes into every remodeling project, be sure all contractors you solicit bids from are using the same scope and quality of work requirements. Discuss any significant variations in price or timelines and be wary of any substantially lower estimates.

Find more tips for selecting a contractor at remodelingdoneright.com.

(Family Features) Bringing home a new pet can be exciting and heartwarming. Before you get caught up in the excitement of adopting a pet, however, it's important to do a bit of homework and have conversations to ensure you're choosing a lifelong fit for your family.

When considering adopting, keep in mind that pets can provide as many benefits to you as you do them, such as helping to reduce stress, providing companionship, getting the daily recommended amount of physical activity and more. As you take your options into account, remember these guidelines from the experts at PetSmart Charities to prepare for a successful homecoming for your newest family member.

Life Stages
If you prefer a lower energy pet, seek a senior (age 7 or above) who may move a little slower. For higher energy, look for young puppies and kittens or active breeds such as Labradors, hounds, American terriers (commonly known as pit bulls) and mixed breeds.

For first-time pet owners, a healthy adult dog or cat can help teach new pet parents the joys of having a pet and may not require as much attention as a puppy or kitten.

Families with young children might consider a family-friendly breed or mixed breed such as a hound. Older kids may benefit from additional responsibilities such as walking the dog or cleaning the litter box.

Living Environment
In addition to the type and age of pet you adopt, you'll need to consider the space you have available to welcome your furry friend.

If you live in a home, consider fencing your yard for more relaxed playtime. If you live in an apartment, discuss any restrictions with your landlord and find out where the closest dog parks are to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Dogs need a place to call their own where they're contained overnight and while you're not home until they can be safely left to roam. Get a crate so your new pet can have an "apartment" within your home.

You should always have more litter boxes than you do cats; for example, if you have one cat make sure you have at least two litter boxes. Litter boxes need to be scooped daily and completely changed weekly.

Veterinary Care
Most adoptions come with a free veterinary check-up within the first week. Visit the veterinarian to have your pet's vaccine records reviewed and ensure you know the best options for food, exercise and preventative care.

You can prevent many common diseases by keeping your pet at a healthy weight, current on flea, tick and heartworm prevention, fully vaccinated and on a high-quality diet. Preventing diseases costs less money than treating them, so discuss any concerns you have with your veterinarian.

Financial Considerations
Most pets come with annual veterinary bills between $200-500 and food bills between $200-400. Adopting a pet can provide cost savings, however, as fees at shelters and adoption events are typically lower than breeders and many of these pets are already spayed or neutered.

To ensure your pet is covered in case of emergencies, consider options like pet insurance or opening a designated savings account and depositing 5% of your pay each pay period. If you take out an insurance policy as soon as you adopt your pet, he or she will not have any "pre-existing" conditions excluded from your insurance plan.

Find more tips for a successful pet adoption and locate upcoming adoption events in your community at petsmartcharities.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

- It comes as no surprise that money is the No. 1 driver of stress for many of us. That's according to the inaugural Midwest Money Mindset Survey conducted by Huntington.

The survey found that 50% of participants cited money and finances as the top driver of stress, ahead of family and personal relationships, employment and health. The survey also dug into the reasons for that stress and found a silver lining: many people are taking steps to take control of their financial well-being. Take a look at these stats:

• Compared to a year ago, 68% of participants are either saving more money or the same amount.
• More than half of participants (56%) have a retirement account.
• Almost two-thirds of survey participants (64%) have established a "rainy day fund."

Andy Harmening, senior executive vice president, Consumer and Business Banking director for Huntington, says personal finances don't need to be overwhelming. He offers the simple ways to better understand and manage your personal finances in 2020 and beyond:

Look at the complete picture: Find out who you owe, interest rates, late fees and timing. Then determine how much is coming in and out each month and understand your investment opportunities and tax picture. Talk to your partner, dependents or other family members and get on the same page.

Track your behaviors: Cashless and one-click spending can make it hard to see where your money is going, especially those small purchases that compound quickly. Sophisticated online banking solutions, such as Huntington's new Spend Analysis tool, can give you an eye-opening look into how your spending adds up so you can make smart adjustments.

Automate as much as possible: Direct deposits and automatic bill payments ensure nothing gets overlooked or falls through the cracks in spending and saving. Not to mention, paying bills on time every time helps you maintain a good credit history and boosts your credit score.

Make a plan for debt: From basic control of your budget to plans for consolidating debt and negotiating with creditors, there are many ways to handle debt. Decide which works best for you and take steps to bring debt down. Then, make changes to avoid additional debt. A tool like Huntington Heads Up helps you do this by alerting you about areas where you've over spent and might want to pull back.

Set goals: It's never too early to begin your long-term planning for retirement, which should be top of the list for most Americans. Near-term goal planning is essential as well, so keeping your attention on a down payment for a home or reducing credit card debt can help to keep you motivated -as long as you're balancing your short- and long-term goals.

Stay focused: Money can be complicated, and it's easy to slip up here and there. If you make a mistake, don't throw in the towel on the progress you've made. Regain your focus and stay on track. Your momentum will benefit you in countless ways, from reduced stress and improved confidence to a bigger bank account and more.

"With our Midwest Money Mindset survey, we not only know that managing personal finances is a top concern of Americans today, but we're pleased to see people taking action to help manage this incredibly important part of their lives," Harmening said."We're glad Huntington can be part of the solution people are looking for as they improve their financial health."(BPT)

(BPT) - This year you might have goals like ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to de-stress.

The EPA reports we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, but most people feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental well-being and stress level, according to a recent YouGov study commissioned by Velux. So, if your goal is to de-stress, here are some healthy behaviors and design tips to help you bring nature's sanctuary indoors.

1) Fill your home with photos of nature

Surrounding yourself with images of nature can have a positive effect on wellness. Try framing some photos of special memories in nature like a hike with your family, beach sunset or mountain view.

2) Let in more fresh air and natural light

Today's homes are built tighter and more sealed, which means they can trap toxins from daily living- such as cooking, cleaning, pets and more - inside. Adding skylights that can open is a simple home renovation project to improve fresh air flow, helping rid indoor air of pollutants. Additionally, studies show that exposure to natural light helps to sync your circadian rhythm, allowing for better sleep at night.

3) Fill your home with natural scents

Up your chef game by using fresh herbs in your cooking that will fill your kitchen with natural fragrance. Making an indoor herb garden ensures you'll always have some on hand. You can also incorporate fresh herbs into bouquets or wreaths for a natural air freshener throughout your home.

4) Meditate or do yoga in the morning

Waking up with stretching or meditating is a great way to prepare yourself for a successful day. Open the blinds or curtains on your windows and skylights to let in early morning light and help you feel invigorated and refreshed.

5) Go green with your decor

Reap the benefits of nature by bringing it inside, adding greenery or even fruit into your decor. The possibilities are endless - use a bowl of fresh fruit as a centerpiece or mix different sizes of pots to create a succulent gallery. Little touches of green in each room will go a long way.

6) Use natural cleaning products

Many common cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Combat the dangers of these toxins by switching to natural cleaning products. You'll feel safer and more relaxed when your home is chemical-free.

From boosting your home's natural light to going green and adding plant life, it's easy to turn your home into a natural oasis with these simple steps. For more information, visit whyskylights.com

(Family Features) When it comes to economics, many teens' mouths write checks their knowledge can't cash.

While 93% of American teens say they know how the economy works, 29% have had no economic schooling, according to a survey of 1,000 U.S. teens ages 13-18 by Wakefield Research on behalf of Junior Achievement and the Charles Koch Foundation. Even in light of their false confidence, teens are aware of the importance of financial education.

Although the study identified numerous gaps in economic and financial knowledge, it also showed teens do know where to look for credible information. Two-thirds (67%) recognize they should use their school as a resource.

"One of the things we hear often is that some textbooks are written too academically for most students to understand the concepts," said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. "Our programs, which work as a complement to the school curriculum, are written from the perspective of today's teens and use digital content to help bring economic concepts to life for students."

Beyond the classroom, another 63% of students believe they should use their parents as resources for economics education. Help influence the financial literacy of a teen in your life with these practical money-management tips adapted from the curriculum.

Set goals. Managing your money is more meaningful when you're doing it with purpose. This might mean budgeting to ensure you have enough money to maintain your auto insurance and keep gas in your car, or you may be saving for a big senior trip. Knowing what you want to achieve with your money can help you plan how you spend it more wisely.

Weigh needs vs. wants. When you begin making your own money, it's easier to indulge your own wishes and spend money on things you don't necessarily need. To some extent, that's not a bad thing; rewarding yourself is fine when you do so within reason. That means not exceeding your available funds, and not forsaking things you truly need, like gas money to get to and from a job or school.

Get a debit card. Most people find that having cash on hand makes it easier to spend. If you use a debit card instead, you're an extra step away from spending so you have a little more time to consider your purchase. Another benefit of a debit card is it helps track your purchases in real time so you can keep constant tabs on your balance and ensure you don't overdraft your account.

Start a savings habit. Even if your income doesn't allow for much, it's a good idea to get in the habit of setting aside a portion of each check. It may only be $10, but over time each $10 deposit can build your account toward a long-range goal.

Protect your privacy. Teens who've grown up in the digital age tend to be less skeptical and cautious about privacy matters than their elder counterparts. It's important that young people understand the potential impact of failing to protect their privacy when it comes to financial matters, including the possibility that their identities could be stolen and all of their money siphoned away. Teaching kids about security is an essential lesson in economics.

Visit ja.org for more tips and information to help raise your teen's financial literacy.

(Family Features) While there's plenty to be said for taking the proverbial road less traveled, fellow tourists can provide a wealth of knowledge to help shape a vacation filled with lifelong memories.

Whether you expect your travel plans for 2020 to take you near or far, having a pulse on how and where others enjoy spending their travel time may help narrow down your options. Start planning your next getaway armed with the findings of a trend report compiled by vacation rental app and website Vrbo, especially when it comes to selecting a destination and your accommodations.

Unique Accommodations
Traditional vacation home favorites like beach houses, cabins and condos still reign supreme, but adventurous American travelers are staying in some unusual options. In fact, 71% of millennial travelers said they would consider staying at a non-traditional vacation rental.

In addition to barns, castles and treehouses, properties on wheels and properties that float join the ranks of unusual accommodations travelers are booking. Travel demand for houseboats, yachts, RVs and travel trailers is up 30% year-over-year.

Surf’s Up
Portugal's reputation for affordability, primo surfing and sunshine-filled climate make the country a desirable place to explore. That may explain why seaside locales in Portugal took three of the top five spots on the list of hottest international beach destinations for American travelers. Chania, Greece, took the top spot, followed by three Portuguese destinations: Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto and Lisbon. Catania, Italy, rounded out the top five.

For those seeking to stay stateside, four of Vrbo's top five United States destinations this year are beaches, including: Gulf Shores, Alabama; Miramar and Rosemary Beach, Florida; Panama City Beach, Florida; and Maui, Hawaii.

Same-City Stays
Rental demand data in Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta and a number of other urban destinations showed the single largest traveler origin market for each city was that same city.

"Cele-cations', when people seek accommodations to host and spend time with groups of family and friends for milestone events like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, may be fueling the trend of people booking vacation homes in the same cities where they live," said Melanie Fish, Vrbo travel expert.

Also high on the trend list: short-stay, drivable destinations located within 300 miles of home.

Up-and-Coming Destinations
Their names may not be familiar to the masses, but each of the top emerging domestic vacation destinations shares one thing in common: outdoor appeal. Places that appeal to families and other groups of travelers looking to explore the great outdoors are seeing a major surge over the past three years.

"This is the third year in a row travelers' desire to be outdoors has filled the up-and-coming
destinations list,"; Fish said. "Clearly, people want the comforts of a home away from home while soaking in scenery."

Find the trends and accommodations that match your 2020 travel dreams at vrbo.com.

Put Safety First

(Family Features) From quick DIY repairs around the house to contractors on the jobsite, power tools can make nearly any job faster and easier. However, having the know-how to put power tools to use is only half the challenge.

Take a safety-first approach to projects big and small with these tips from the Power Tool Institute, the leading organization for power tool safety resources, information and education.

Start with a safe workspace. Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres or near flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools sometimes create sparks, which can ignite flammable materials. Also keep bystanders, children and visitors away when using power tools, as distractions can affect your control.

Be careful with battery power. Lithium-ion batteries have become more popular due to their higher efficiency, larger energy storage capacities, convenience and durability. These attributes make them ideal for cordless power tools but also pose additional safety risks when misused. Do not subject them to physical abuse or allow ingress of liquids. Always choose batteries from the original power tool manufacturer, which are engineered to work optimally with corresponding power tools. Aftermarket or third-party batteries may not include all the safety design features and are not always tested to the same safety standards, making them potentially more dangerous and increasing the risk for fire, property damage or personal injury.

Safe transportation and disposal of lithium-ion batteries is also crucial; avoid contact with metal objects, such as keys, coins, screws or nails. To safely dispose of used lithium-ion batteries, take them to a local recycling center or place in a receptacle specially designed for recycling batteries. Do not place batteries in curbside trash or recycling bins. If the battery is damaged, contact the manufacturer for further instructions.

Honor safe practices from start to finish. Use the right tool for your job, and only use accessories specifically recommended by the tool manufacturer. Accessories that are incorrectly sized or incompatible cannot be properly guarded or controlled, and accessories running faster than their rated speed can break and fly apart. Always make sure the accessory has come to a complete stop before putting the tool down and remove the battery from the tool before changing or adjusting the accessory or when cleaning the tool.

Properly store when not in use. To avoid accidental activation, unplug the cord and remove batteries when a tool is not being used. Also be sure to keep tools away from children and people unfamiliar with operating them.

Find more information on safe battery use at TakeChargeOfYourBattery.com, and visit PowerToolInstitute.com for additional power tool safety and operation tips.

5 ways to be more productive in the new year

(BPT) - When the calendar flips to a new year, many people are inspired to make resolutions, promising productivity, healthy lifestyles, self-care and more. But all New Year’s goals require making time for what you set out to do — and a little planning goes a long way.

No matter your resolutions, here are easy tips to make the most of each day, accomplish your goals and still have time to spare:

Get ready the night before

Make your morning routine easier by getting organized the night before. Prepare your breakfast and coffee. Choose your outfit and set it by your bed. Pack your bag and place it by the door so you’re ready to go. Let your nighttime energy fuel you in the morning.

Spend less time on chores

Household chores are time consuming and, let’s face it, not many people look forward to cleaning and laundry. Invest in ways to lighten your load, like the LG TurboWash 360, which has features that help you get more chores done in less time. It can tackle family-sized loads in less than 30 minutes without sacrificing performance, so your clothes don’t pile up. Shorter wash times and energy-saving capabilities save you both time and money.

Stick to a sleep schedule

The first step in reaching your goals is making sure you’re in good health. One of the most important, and difficult, aspects of good health is sleep. You’ll feel more refreshed and ready to take on the day if you establish a solid sleep schedule and stick to it. To set your schedule, pick the time you want to wake up every day and count back seven to eight hours — that’s your new bedtime.

Get a good calendar

Maximize your time by having a plan for each week. Whether you use a notebook checklist, the calendar on your smartphone or invest in a year-long planner, you’ll always have your plan on-hand and never miss a deadline or to-do list item.

Become a meal prepper

Set aside time each week to plan your meals and prep them too. Chop fruits and vegetables, pre-cook meats, and cook pasta or rice in advance so you can pull together easy meals in no time. This saves you time and money, and helps you eat healthier when you’re tempted to grab fast food on your busiest days.

When each day feels full to the brim, follow these tips to maximize each hour and be more productive in the new year.

(BPT) - While the holiday season is a wonderful time of year, it can also put great financial strain on individuals going into the new year. The demand of holiday spending can lead to worry of unpaid credit card bills, which can lead many to put themselves on a strict "money diet." As you reflect on the past year and the goals you want to set for yourself, you may want to put financial wellness at the top of your list of resolutions.

But financial wellness is not just about achieving a specific dollar amount in terms of savings, advises Amanda Clayman, financial therapist and Prudential’s financial wellness advocate. Instead, Clayman recommends establishing overall healthy money habits when it comes to your finances in 2020. It’s about being both practical and less reactive when it comes to decisions around money.

Here are some tips for how you can improve your financial wellness heading into the new year.

1. Set up monthly “money dates”

"One of the smartest things we can do for our bottom line is simply reviewing our finances," says Clayman. "Dedicate time each week or month (whatever you can do, just keep it consistent) to tackling your money management. These intentional 'money dates' with yourself and/or your family or partner could help you save money throughout the year."

During your money date, review where you are in terms of your budget process, debt you are trying to reduce and your savings plan. Have unexpected expenses come up recently? Focus on how you can handle those, and better prepare yourself to cope with similar expenses in the future.

2. Be in a good headspace

Clayman acknowledges that most people find dealing with money stressful, which can cause them to avoid examining these issues or discussing them with spouses or family members.

"It's perfectly normal to feel anxious about money from time to time," Clayman says. "When this happens, take a break and come back to the task when you can think with a clear, productive mindset."

Dealing with difficult money issues when you're feeling emotionally stressed can lead to less rational decisions. Instead, review the issue when you're more likely to be able to step back and see the big picture without overreacting.

3. Practice “Unsubscribe Sundays”

Clayman recommends that you take a few minutes every week to unsubscribe from the many promotional emails that clutter up your inbox. These might tempt you to shop impulsively when you don't want or need to spend the money.

After the holidays is a great time to tackle this, as your online purchases may have gotten your name on a few too many email lists.

4. Get a money buddy

It can be helpful and encouraging to share your goals for the future and compare notes with someone who cares about you — and who may have experienced some of the same struggles along the way.

"This not only keeps us more accountable, but we're able to make it fun and create a stimulating discussion," advises Clayman. "Involve your partner, friends and family in your financial wellness journey."

5. Keep your resolutions positive, not punishing

In an effort to achieve your financial wellness goals, focus on the positive rather than the negative. Clayman notes: "As opposed to saying you want to cut spending, think instead of what you want to put that saved money toward, and attach a specific number to it. This process will help you keep track of progress and ultimately reward you for getting there."

This New Year’s, make money resolutions you can stick to, not just for your bottom line, but for your overall well-being and peace of mind. "Remember that the path to financial wellness is very personal and in no way linear," says Clayman. "There’s no better time to begin the journey to a healthier money mindset than today."

For information, advice and tools for investing in your financial wellness and establishing healthy financial habits, visit Prudential Financial.

(Family Features) Homeowners and renters remodel, redesign and restructure their homes for a variety of reasons. Even a newly constructed dream home needs improvements over time.

Common renovation projects include upgrading worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials, or adding features and improving livability. Other homeowners invest in remodeling simply because they’re ready for a change.

However, many find the idea of taking on a remodeling project too overwhelming to attempt. Thirty-five percent of U.S. homeowners would rather move to another home than remodel their current home, according to research by the National Association of Realtors.

What those homeowners don’t realize is that taking on projects is often worth the investment and time. The same study showed that among those who did undertake a home improvement project, 75% had a greater desire to be in their home when the project was completed. Others reported increased enjoyment in their home and a major sense of accomplishment.

Satisfaction aside, there are financial implications that may influence how you prioritize renovations in your home. Learn which interior and exterior upgrades are likely to bring the biggest return on investment with the leading in-demand projects identified by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Realtors.

Exterior Upgrades
Generally speaking, improvements to your home’s structural features and exterior elements drive the greatest returns on your renovation dollars.

New Roof: Your home’s roof takes a real beating from the elements, and upgrading this protective feature is one of the greatest investments you can make for your home with an estimated 109% return on value. There’s a reasonable expectation for long-lasting results and you’re likely to see some improvement in your home’s energy efficiency.

Garage Door: Proving that curb appeal counts, a new garage door is another exterior feature that’s likely to bring a strong return. A new door may be an opportunity to create a new look for your home, but it’s also a way to improve the function of a worn-out door.

Updated Siding: Enhancing an architectural element like siding is another way to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal while making it easier to maintain. Be thoughtful in selecting your materials, though; fiber-cement siding brings a slightly higher return than vinyl selections.

Interior Upgrades
Although many improvements inside the home tend to be based on your personal tastes and lifestyle, you can still reap the benefits of undertaking certain high-return projects.

Wood Flooring: Refinishing existing wood floors or installing new wood floors is likely to bring at or near a 100% return on investment. The project improves a home’s aesthetic appeal and eliminates possible signs of wear while bringing a more modern feel to the living space.

Sustainable Considerations: Also high on the list are projects that improve a home’s energy efficiency, such as upgrading insulation. Not only does improved quality or quantity of insulation help reduce energy bills, it’s an investment you can expect to recoup a large percentage on. Similarly, replacing the HVAC may be a necessary project if the old unit is failing to perform, but it can also improve energy efficiency and result in better functionality and livability for the home.

Livable Spaces: Adding square footage always helps a home value, especially when you can convert unused, unfinished space like a basement into a comfortable, cozy living area. Another place where you can expect a big return is on a complete kitchen remodel, which will allow you to improve function while adding modern touches and upgrading outdated and worn features.

Find more advice to maximize the value of your next home improvement project at remodelingdoneright.com.

(BPT) - When the calendar flips to a new year, many people are inspired to make resolutions, promising productivity, healthy lifestyles, self-care and more. But all New Year’s goals require making time for what you set out to do — and a little planning goes a long way.

No matter your resolutions, here are easy tips to make the most of each day, accomplish your goals and still have time to spare:

Get ready the night before

Make your morning routine easier by getting organized the night before. Prepare your breakfast and coffee. Choose your outfit and set it by your bed. Pack your bag and place it by the door so you’re ready to go. Let your nighttime energy fuel you in the morning.

Spend less time on chores

Household chores are time consuming and, let’s face it, not many people look forward to cleaning and laundry. Invest in ways to lighten your load, like the LG TurboWash 360, which has features that help you get more chores done in less time. It can tackle family-sized loads in less than 30 minutes without sacrificing performance, so your clothes don’t pile up. Shorter wash times and energy-saving capabilities save you both time and money.

Stick to a sleep schedule

The first step in reaching your goals is making sure you’re in good health. One of the most important, and difficult, aspects of good health is sleep. You’ll feel more refreshed and ready to take on the day if you establish a solid sleep schedule and stick to it. To set your schedule, pick the time you want to wake up every day and count back seven to eight hours — that’s your new bedtime.

Get a good calendar

Maximize your time by having a plan for each week. Whether you use a notebook checklist, the calendar on your smartphone or invest in a year-long planner, you’ll always have your plan on-hand and never miss a deadline or to-do list item.

Become a meal prepper

Set aside time each week to plan your meals and prep them too. Chop fruits and vegetables, pre-cook meats, and cook pasta or rice in advance so you can pull together easy meals in no time. This saves you time and money, and helps you eat healthier when you’re tempted to grab fast food on your busiest days.

When each day feels full to the brim, follow these tips to maximize each hour and be more productive in the new year.

(BPT) - Consumers today are more mindful about the environmental impact of everything they do, from driving and traveling to energy usage in their homes. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps homeowners can take to save energy and help the environment.

1. Boost your insulation

You may already know what areas of your home are poorly insulated, simply by how you feel when it’s cold or hot outside. You can have a professional home energy audit conducted to help pinpoint areas that need improvement. Many energy companies provide an audit free of charge.

Start with the attic: If your attic is insufficiently insulated, you could be losing a lot of heat over the winter, which means your home is wasting energy — and money. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that boosting attic insulation can save 10-50 percent on heating costs.

2. Upgrade your heating and cooling system

Heating and cooling your home uses the most energy, so investing in Energy Star certified HVAC products can make a big difference when it comes to cutting energy costs and your home's impact on the environment.

For a new HVAC system in a variety of styles to fit any décor that can be easily installed by a contractor, you might consider wall-mounted duct-free systems from a trusted brand like LG. They offer a variety of ultra-quiet "Art Cool" options (the sleek Mirror, stylish Premier and unique Gallery, which looks like a picture frame and allows you to display your own artwork). These systems are smart-enabled, allowing homeowners to adjust the temperature from their LG ThinQ app for Android and iOS users, or with simple commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The most eco-conscious consumers will want to look for "Energy Star Most Efficient" HVAC solutions. For example, the Art Cool Mirror earned the 2019 designation and also features advanced "Reliable to Extreme Degrees" LGRED, heating technology that delivers 100 percent heating capacity down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and continuous heating down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you warm and comfortable all winter long with remarkable energy efficiency.

3. Replace doors and windows

You may be losing a lot of heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer through your doors and windows, especially if they're older. The latest energy-efficient models of windows and doors not only reduce leaks around the frames, but they're made from materials that enhance insulation.

Doors: According to EnergyStar.gov, energy-efficient doors not only fit better and have improved weather stripping to reduce air leakage, but also use improved core materials for superior insulation. Where glass is used, they reduce heat flow via double- or triple-paned insulating glass.

Windows: Energy Star qualified windows use superior framing materials, including multiple panes of glass, with air- or gas-filled space between for additional insulation. They're made from Low-E (low emissivity) glass, with special coatings to reflect infrared light. Warm edge spacers keep the glass panes the correct distance apart reducing heat transfer through the window.

4. Go solar

While most people are aware that solar power harnesses the sun’s energy to create electricity, many don't know how easy and cost-effective it is to go solar.

The newest technology behind solar energy has made it increasingly accessible and appealing for homeowners. For example, new energy solutions such as LG’s "NeON R ACe" are high-efficiency solar panels that incorporate a built-in micro-inverter (that converts DC electricity to AC) instead of a separate traditional inverter. Recessed into the frame of the solar module, the micro-inverter simplifies the installation process and allows more flexibility to create a solar array that looks attractive on your roof. When going solar, it’s important to seek out a brand you trust, one like LG that offers solar panels covered by a 25-year limited product, part and performance warranty.

Choosing just one area to upgrade will save energy, reducing your home's carbon footprint. You'll also feel more comfortable throughout the year, as you better regulate the temperature of your home.

(BPT) - If you're like many Americans, your home may be your most valuable asset. That's why it's so important to protect it with homeowners insurance. Plus, it's probably a requirement of your mortgage. Setting up your coverage the right way starts with understanding the major parts of a homeowners policy.

Consider the following information and tips from the USAA Home Learning Center:

Dwelling protection

This protection covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it's damaged or destroyed. When you select the amount, keep in mind the cost to rebuild your home is different from its market value.

It's important to get the dwelling coverage right and to monitor it over time to make sure it keeps up with construction costs to rebuild. Under most homeowners policies, if you file a claim and have underinsured your home, your payout may be reduced.

Some insurers will help you estimate the rebuilding cost. They take into account the features, materials and finishes that make your home unique.

Personal property protection

This protection covers your furniture, clothing and pretty much everything else inside your home. Most policies set the amount of personal property protection as a percentage of the dwelling coverage.

It may not be enough, though. Homeowners plans set limits on certain high-value items. If you own expensive jewelry, art, guns, stamps, furs, cameras, computers, silver or collectibles, you'll want to consider buying valuable personal property insurance. This is sometimes called a "personal articles floater."

When you set up your homeowners policy, you may have to make an important choice about how to reimburse losses. There are two approaches:

• Replacement cost. This coverage is the amount needed to replace the property with a comparable, new item.
• Actual cash value. This coverage considers depreciation in the value of your property. If your 10-year-old couch is destroyed, you'd receive what it was worth at the time of loss, not the money you'd need to buy a new one.

To make your recovery from a loss as smooth as possible, replacement cost coverage is recommended.

Liability coverage

This is one of the most important and least appreciated forms of protection offered through homeowners coverage. It protects you if you're found to be at fault for someone's injury or property damage. It even covers you for non-automobile incidents away from your home. Generally, it also covers your legal costs associated with such claims against you.

As a rule, your liability coverage should at least be equal to the total value of your assets for both your homeowners and auto insurance. If your assets are higher than the maximum coverage allowed under the policy, consider purchasing umbrella insurance to cover the difference. This is important to protect the savings and other assets you've worked hard to acquire.

Deductibles

As with other types of insurance, a deductible is the part of a loss that you're responsible for covering out of your own pocket. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium.

Choosing a higher deductible can save you money with a lower monthly premium but increases the risk you take. Consider the amount of cash you typically have on hand in your emergency fund or checking and savings accounts. Make sure you can cover the deductible amount comfortably.

What may not be covered

Your policy's basic coverage won't cover some special risks.

• Floods: While a standard policy covers most weather-related events, floods aren't one of them. Flood insurance is inexpensive and the federal government offers it through insurers. While it's mandatory when you have a mortgage and live in a flood zone, you should give it strong consideration no matter where you live. Whether it's a flash flood or a few inches of excess water, flooding can cause massive damage to your dwelling and its contents.
• Earthquakes: You can add coverage for earth movements to your policy with an extra premium. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, consider reinforcing your home protection with this coverage.
• Home businesses: Homeowners plans provide limited coverage for business equipment. If you run your business from home or have expensive office equipment, you may need to consider additional coverage. Your homeowners policy may not cover injuries to someone if they're related to your business.

For additional information on protecting your home, visit USAA.com/Homeowners.

(BPT) - For many people, dropping temperatures mean it's time to bundle up and head outdoors for their favorite winter activities. Whether you're a sports enthusiast hitting the ski slope, a casual skater heading to the local rink or a parent ready to tackle the nearby sledding hill with your child, great times and memories await. However, it's important to make sure your fun winter day isn't spoiled by an accident or injury.

"Winter sports and recreational activities have great health and cardiovascular benefits," says Joseph Bosco, M.D., FAAOS, orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and first vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "However, it's important not to underestimate the risks that cold weather can bring. Hospitals and health care clinics across the country see an increase of bone and joint injuries related to winter activities, and many could be prevented with the right planning and preparation."

Injuries can happen to anyone at any time, whether you're on the ice or on the slopes. You don't have to be an extreme athlete to experience the risks. Common winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures, but more traumatic injuries to the head and spine can also occur. Consider these tips from Dr. Bosco and the experts at the AAOS.

Be prepared: Keep in shape and condition muscles before participating in winter activities. What's more, on the day of your activity, warm up thoroughly before playing outdoors. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Finally, have ample supplies ready, including water for before, during and after activities.

Dress correctly: Always wear well-fitting protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding. Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Finally, proper footwear that provides warmth, dryness and ankle support is key.

Know the rules: Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating. If you're new or need a refresher, consider taking lessons from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Learning rules of the hill and skills like falling correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.

Watch the weather: Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if anyone is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help, if injuries occur.

Use common sense: Never participate in an outdoor sport or activity alone. If you become injured, you need someone to help you and respond appropriately so you can get necessary medical care. What's more, if you become exhausted or start to feel pain, stop the activity for the day to avoid injury.

"Don't let winter sports injuries freeze your fun,” adds Dr. Bosco. "By keeping in good physical condition, staying alert and stopping when you're tired or in pain, you can enjoy the best of winter and reduce your risk of injury."

To learn more about winter sports safety and ways to prevent injuries, visit OrthoInfo.org.

Whether you're currently working through a divorce or just want to be prepared, here are six tips to consider that can help you better understand-and stay in control of-your investments.

1. Update Account Beneficiaries: If you don't want your spouse (or ex-spouse) to be the beneficiary to your investment or other financial accounts, designate one or more new beneficiaries.

2. Get Access to Accounts: Make sure you have key information to all of your household assets, including any investment accounts. This is especially important if you don't typically manage the household finances.

Make a list of all the financial accounts and their assets that you may be entitled to. Know how each account is set up: Is it in your name only, your spouse's name only, jointly held? Gather account numbers, login credentials, contact information and other information to access these accounts.

3. Taxes and Other Penalties: Before you sell any assets, consider the tax consequences and other possible costs or penalties. Selling securities may trigger capital gains taxes and liquidation of, or early withdrawal from, certain investments-such as retirement accounts or annuities-may carry penalties.

4. Dividing Up Taxable Investment Accounts: Splitting up assets between spouses will be subject to different processes, depending on the type of investment account. For taxable accounts, such as a jointly held brokerage account, you typically must provide a letter requesting that the joint account be closed and that new, separate accounts be opened in each person's name.

It's important to note that not all assets may be transferable and liquidating such products may result in penalties, taxes and fees. If you're worried your spouse may take action before you've come to terms, you can ask that the account be frozen until you reach an agreement on how to divide your assets.

5. Splitting Up Retirement Accounts: In most states, retirement account assets are considered marital property, which means your spouse may be entitled to a portion of these assets. Dividing them up gets complicated because different information is required and different rules apply depending on the type of account, and that could mean triggering taxes and fees you'll likely want to avoid, if possible.

To split employer-sponsored 401(k), 403(b) or pension plans, you're typically required to provide a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to the plan administrator (usually your employer). While each plan has its own guidelines, a QDRO generally lets the funds in these types of retirement plans be separated and withdrawn without penalty.

When it comes to dividing up IRAs, there is no QDRO. IRA plan assets are divided based on the terms of the divorce decree or separation agreement. The only way to not incur taxes is to have a court-ordered divorce decree and to roll the separated funds into new, separate IRAs.

If you receive assets from your spouse's retirement plan and want to cash out by taking a distribution, taxes and early-withdrawal penalties, if any, will depend upon the type of account. Be sure to investigate your options.

6. Enlist the Help of Professionals: Dividing financial assets during divorce can be overwhelming, so you might consider asking for guidance from an attorney, accountant or other financial professional with experience with estate planning and other investment-related issues. Be sure to carefully vet any financial pros before doing business with them. You can check out brokers or investment advisers using FINRA BrokerCheck.

Learn More

For further information on protecting your money, visit www.FINRA.org/LearnMore.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - Whether the length of your drive is three hours or 30 minutes, it can seem an eternity with a bored child in the car. If you're planning a road trip with one or more children, plan ahead so you'll have a happy and safe trip, no matter where you're going.

Here's how you and your kids can stay safe and enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.

1. Factor in time for pit stops

Don't try to crush a several-hour driving marathon to get there quickly. Children need frequent breaks to use the restroom, have a healthy meal — and release their pent-up energy. Look for signs of restlessness and stop before kids get too out of sorts.

When you stop, find a safe spot where your kids can stretch their legs and run around a little. If they're sluggish, organize a quick game of tag or catch, or encourage them to do a jumping-jack competition.

If frequent stops are making you later than expected, call ahead to let people know you're off schedule. Better to take your time and arrive both safe and happy.

2. Make sure kids stay buckled up, the whole time

Help keep your kids safe by making sure your child is buckled up every time, for every ride. As older kids get restless, they may unbuckle themselves during a long drive. Make sure you're checking periodically throughout the trip, not just when you first pull out of the driveway. After every rest stop or meal, ensure kids are buckled up before you head back on the road.

3. Bring games — and dust off your creativity

Age-appropriate hand-held games and books can be good diversions for your children on long trips. Find audiobooks the whole family can listen to during the trip.

Recall games you played during road trips with your parents. Did you spot license plates from different states? Say a certain word when you saw an animal or certain type of car? How about a game of I Spy? Start a guessing game like 20 Questions, or use yes-or-no questions to guess a famous person one of you thinks up. Stock up on knock-knock jokes or silly riddles to keep kids engaged with you and each other.

4. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat

No matter how long your trip is, children under 13 should never sit up front, for their own safety. Car safety standards and features, like air bags, are developed and tested with adult bodies in mind. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of up to 200 to 400 miles per hour, and because kids's bodies are still developing, they are safest in the back seat. Additionally, most crashes impact the front of the car, and the back seat is farthest from this impact.

5. Pack healthy snacks

Make sure each child has a refillable water bottle for the journey, plus healthy snacks they enjoy, like fruit, cheese sticks or yogurt. Choose age-appropriate snacks that won't be a choking hazard, so you can focus on the road.

6. Bundle up safely

For the best protection in a car seat, your child's harness should fit snugly. A bulky winter coat can create extra space between the child and their harness, increasing risk of injury in a crash. To keep your child both safe and warm on the ride, dress your child in a lighter jacket and place a blanket over the harness if needed. Pack the warmer coat for when you arrive.

7. Before you go: Check that they're in the right seat

A car crash can happen anywhere, anytime — so the right car seat for your children's age and size is always important. Any upcoming road trip can be a good reminder to double-check that they're in the right seat for their safety — and that it's installed correctly.

Enter your child's age, weight and height at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to check if they’re in the right seat. On the website you can also get installation tips and find a location near you where a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you check the seat's installation.

Enjoy your road trip with the family using these tips, and you'll all be safer and happier. Trips like these can be memorable for all the right reasons, and you and your kids may even have fun along the way.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

- Sponsored ad content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

The new year is just around the corner and it’s never too early to think about your 2020 goals — and for many, this means prioritizing finances. Taking the time to focus on your goals and determine what’s important to you financially is the best way to set yourself up for success, but actually following through can be difficult. These easy financial exercises from Vanderbilt Mortgage will help you reach your goals in the new decade.

1. Outline your plan

If you don’t already have one, establish your plan. Write down short-term financial goals, such as creating a monthly budget, and long-term goals, such as paying off a debt or buying a home. Defining these goals will help as you set your budget for the next year.

2. Create a monthly budget

Gather pay statements, bills and bank statements to get started. You can write down all this information or use a budget tool. Start by calculating your monthly income, which includes not only the amount you may get from a regular paycheck, but also any money you get in government aid, child support or pensions. The next step is to look at your bills and bank statements to find out exactly what you spend in various categories of expenses such as utilities, auto, medical, personal, insurance, etc. This accurate information will empower you to take control of your spending.

3. Set a savings goal

Saving is another important aspect of financial health. Whether you’re using a general savings account, adding to an emergency fund, or setting aside funds for a new home, saving for larger financial goals helps you prepare and gives you peace of mind no matter where life takes you. If you’re new to saving, start small. Simply skipping your daily latte from the coffee shop a few times a week can add up quickly.

4. Stick to it

The statistics on how many people actually follow through and keep their New Year’s resolutions are rather bleak, but sticking with your financial goals will pay off. Stay on track by monitoring your progress each week. As you get closer to your goals, excitement will build and you’ll be motivated to keep budgeting and saving.

Vanderbilt Mortgage offers helpful online resources whether you are looking to purchase a new home or keep your current home in great shape. “Here at Vanderbilt, we want to use our years of experience to help current and future homeowners.” Said Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage, “Providing educational materials for every step of homeownership is one of the ways Vanderbilt is with customers every step of the way. - BPT.”

- Many interior designers gravitate toward grays or whites as a starting point when building a home’s look and feel, but a new trend is emerging. Homeowners are getting back to basics and finding ways to bring the outdoors in by using neutral earth tones as their blank slate. These wood tones have become the “new neutral” for those beginning their brand-new home design.

No matter your style — modern, eclectic or anything in between — the toned-down hues of natural-looking wood surfaces are the perfect starting point for building a versatile, relaxing and high-end look in your home.

It’s all natural

Finding inspiration from nature can create a more calming retreat in our hectic, constantly connected lives. Start with a neutral and natural palette in the home as the first step to designing your oasis. Incorporating colors found in nature can act as a reminder to disconnect and recharge in your home.

Stay grounded

Include a variety of textures from the ground up to transform your space and make it unique. From flooring to décor, finding ways to pull in elements from Mother Nature will turn your home into your haven. Bring out your home’s natural beauty with flooring like Lumber Liquidators’ Claire Gardens Oak hardwood, which features an organic oak grain where no two boards look the same. The textured grains pair beautifully with greenery (faux or natural), and the neutral color complements a variety of earthy paint palettes.

Woodland oasis

Wood is the perfect element when deciding to bring nature into your home — whether on the floor or on the walls, as an accent or as a headboard. Featuring a variety of wood elements in the décor itself can also allow you to play with mixing different grains, colors and textures throughout the home while still maintaining a seamless overall design.

Light and airy

To make small spaces feel more open, be sure to accentuate natural light by incorporating mirrors. Try and keep your space clear of clutter and add natural foliage and plants to improve air quality and mood. Installing long, wide planks of flooring will also make your room feel larger.

Branch out

Starting with a neutral, earthy color palette means you have plenty of room to play with color — be it bold, muted or a reflection of the world around you. Include colorful accent pieces that remind you of the perfect fall foliage, a day at the beach or spring’s first blooms. Natural inspiration provides a world of possibilities.(BPT)

- Today there are many automated options that make homes more comfortable, energy efficient, cost-effective and safe. Typically referred to as smart home technology, these features may include automating control of items such as lighting, temperature, window shades, surveillance cameras, locks, smoke alarms, even pet feeders. Often, these features have smartphone apps that allow the homeowner to control them from anywhere.

There is one technology that is so smart it can save the lives of everyone in the home, including pets. It works independently and an app is not needed: home fire sprinklers. Smoke alarms warn you if there is smoke in your home, but your escape depends on your hearing the alarm and your ability to act on it. Fire sprinklers are smart because they automatically control or put out the fire quickly so everyone can get out of the home safely.

Each sprinkler has a temperature-sensitive component, often a glass bulb that works like a plug. If a fire starts, the high heat from the fire, usually between 135-165 degrees Fahrenheit, breaks the bulb, allowing the water to flow onto the fire. Typically, only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates, not the entire system. Smoke from burnt food or smoking materials can’t activate the system, only high heat.

The sprinklers are typically connected to the household water main. Where there is no city water supply or well water available, a tank and pump can be used for the water supply. Piping is hidden behind walls and ceilings. One or two sprinklers can usually protect an average size room. Home fire sprinklers are small and inconspicuous. There are several kinds of sprinklers made for residential use, some of which can be hidden behind cover plates. Some sprinkler companies will offer custom-painted options to match your home's decor.

Fire sprinklers are smart because today’s fires are faster and deadlier

Fires today are faster and deadlier. A house fire can become deadly in less than two minutes. Why? Because most items in our homes are made of synthetic materials that burn quickly and produce deadly, poisonous smoke. There’s a danger associated with new construction homes built with unprotected, lightweight building materials that burn faster and fail more quickly in a fire, collapsing in less than half the time of older construction material. Large open layouts (as opposed to smaller rooms with closing doors) also enable faster flashover during a fire.

Could everyone in your family escape a fire if it happened in your home?

A home fire occurs every 87 seconds, with 74% of all fire deaths in the home (NFPA 2018). Everyone is susceptible to these fires, but older adults and people with disabilities are at greatest risk. Recent trends in U.S. housing show that more homes are becoming multi-generational, with around 64 million people living together with two or more generations under one roof (Pew 2018). And today 67% of households own a pet (APPA 2019). Two minutes is not much time for everyone to escape a deadly fire.

Home fire sprinklers are dependable. They not only save lives; they can also protect your property and possessions, and limit fire and water damage. Because of this added benefit, most insurers offer sprinkler discounts that lower your homeowners’ premiums.

Learn the facts about home fire sprinklers from the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, which offers free information and resources about fire safety. (BPT)

What can you do to ensure your gifts and cards are safe? Postal Inspectors offer six tips to help ensure your important packages reach their destinations and brighten lives this holiday season.

1. Don't leave your delivered mail and packages unattended. Just as you wouldn't leave valuables on the front seat of an unlocked car overnight, mail shouldn't be left sitting in mailboxes or on front porches for any length of time.

2. Going out of town? Hold your mail at your local Post Office. If you plan on taking a trip or know you won't be able to check your mail for a few days, use the USPS Hold Mail service on usps.com. Your mail will be held securely at your Post Office until you pick it up or request delivery to your home.

3. Plan ahead. Ship using Hold for Pickup. When shipping packages, the Hold for Pickup option means recipients can collect their packages at their local Post Offices. If you are expecting a package, you can redirect it to your local Post Office by selecting Hold for Pickup using Intercept a Package under Track & Manage on usps.com.

4. Customize the delivery. If you know the package will not fit in your mailbox and you won't be home to receive it, you can authorize the carrier to leave it in a specified location. Visit usps.com, enter the tracking number in Track a Package, and select Delivery Instructions.

5. Secure the shipment using USPS Special Services. Signature Confirmation requires a signature at the time of delivery. For your most valuable packages, you can opt for Registered Mail service. Registered Mail receives special handling from the time it's mailed until the time it's delivered, with documentation every step of the way.

6. Monitor your front door. If you have a home security camera system and you catch any mail thieves in the act, save the video and alert your local Postal Inspectors.

For more great tips you can use not just during the holidays, but all year long, visit: uspis.gov.

You can have a happier holiday season if you take a few simple steps to make sure that all of your cards and gifts arrive safely.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - Winter this year promises to be harsh across much of the U.S. The Farmers' Almanac predicts conditions will be "bitter cold," "unseasonably cold," "very chilly" and "frigid" for states east of the Mississippi River. In a word, brrrrrr!

Now is the perfect time to make sure your home stays warm and cozy, in preparation for when the bitter blasts of January and February come pounding. With some simple DIY insulation projects, you can keep the heat in and the cold out this winter, while also saving on your heating bill.

Check the basement

One of the first places to check for proper insulation is the basement.

"Up to 25 percent of a home's heat loss is through the basement," says Tom Savoy, technical director for Insulfoam.

Many homes in the U.S. were built with fiberglass batts between wood wall studs, which is notoriously leaky, providing a bridge for heat to pass through the wall, says Savoy. Such insulation can also trap moisture in the walls, causing a musty basement smell.

"Even if you don't spend time in the basement, it's crucial to insulate it right to help manage the heating throughout the rest of your home," says Savoy.

A simple solution is adding a layer of continuous insulation to the home's basement walls using rigid foam boards, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Available in home improvement stores, EPS insulation is easy to cut and install using standard tools around the house. Unlike many other insulations, rigid foam boards are thin and easy to handle, without messy fibers to clean-up.

"EPS is a professional grade insulation that even DIYers can install," says Savoy.

To get started insulating your basement, you will first need to figure out how much insulation you will need, based on its "R-value." R-value is the measure of an insulation's ability to resist heat flow, with higher numbers meaning better performance. A quick call to your city or county building department will let you know what R-value is appropriate, and if you'll need to take anything else into account with your insulation project.

Take a look in the attic

In addition to insulating the basement, another leaky area to check is attic hatches. As heat rises, these hatches often have gaps around them, allowing the warm air to escape. Properly sealing them with weather stripping and adding a layer of rigid foam to the hatch will help keep heat in your living area.

To get ready for the coming shivery weather, the Farmers' Almanac suggests stocking up on "sweaters, long johns, and plenty of firewood." Part of your preparation should also include an easy weekend or two of adding insulation to your home.

"Making sure your vehicle is properly prepared for all of winter's elements will help you avoid the aggravation of an unplanned road emergency," says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The non-profit Car Care Council offers six quick tips to help your vehicle perform at its best during cold weather months:

1. Keep the gas tank at least half full; this decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

2. Check the tire pressure, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure when temperatures drop. Consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.

3. Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

4. Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing, so that the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm.

5. Change to low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow more easily between moving parts when it is cold. Drivers in sub-zero temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30, as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.

6. Consider using cold weather washer fluid and special winter windshield blades if you live in a place with especially harsh winter conditions.

Drivers should also stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication. In addition, the Car Care Council recommends a thorough vehicle inspection by a trusted professional service technician, as winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council's consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

Vehicles require extra care to keep running smoothly in the winter.

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Travel Trends To Inspire Your 2020 Vacation Planning

Basics Of Home Buying

The most important investment you will ever make is probably the purchase of a home. Finding the right home for you can be a long and arduous process, but there is no getting around that.

Know Your Wants And Needs

Before embarking on your journey of house hunting, you must know what you really want to find. Sit down with pen and paper and list all the features you care most about, such as:

- Location (in a particular city, school district or neighborhood)

- Size -- how many bedrooms and bathrooms

- Parking -- a 1-car garage or 2?

- Style -- 2-story house or ranch style home?

- Heating -- central heating and/or air conditioning?

Equally important, on a new sheet of paper list all the features you absolutely do not want in a house. For example:

- high-traffic area.

- high noise area (airport, train station or highway in close proximity)

- maintenance -- major repairs needed

As you look at houses, keep both lists in mind. Your lists may change over time as you do more looking. You?ll want to add or remove features, or perhaps you?ll become willing to make compromises. Realize that you most likely will not find the ?perfect? home. Experienced homebuyers will tell you, perfect homes are not found, they are made perfect through hard work.

Get Your Credit Report In Order

Prior to looking at properties, you must get your finances in order. This is the time to review your credit report and clean it up, if need be, to maximize your credit score. Many people do not realize how important it is to check your credit report periodically to make sure it is accurate. You should pay off any past due amounts, or negotiate a settlement price to close the debt. Get such agreements in writing, before paying any settlement. Keep all receipts for any settled items from your credit report since it may take months to get the debt actually removed.

Research Your Home-Buying Options

Decide what kind of property you are interested in. Do you want a HUD property, a foreclosure, real estate, or property for sale by owner?

A number of web sites list homes according to city, state, or price range. Visit these sites to see pictures of homes, many with virtual tours, and review the listing features.

Get Pre-Approved For A Loan

You?re ready now to find a lender and get yourself pre-approved for the loan. Being pre-approved offers a number of advantages. It will clarify the price range you can afford. Also, once you find the home you want, you can place an immediate offer. If you have to wait for pre-approval, someone could buy the house right out from under you.

Several special programs are often available from lenders, such as the FHA , that can save you money in the closing. Ask the lender about any special programs before you decide on a loan.

Find A Good Real Estate Agent

It is wise for the first time homebuyer to work closely with a real estate agent, no matter what type of property you?re looking for. A knowledgeable real estate agent will make your house-hunting much easier. A good real estate agent is usually a good negotiator, and will be able to help you with the complicated paperwork involved in placing an offer on a house or in closing a deal.

It?s essential that you have a real estate agent working for you as the buyer, rather than relying on the seller?s agent for the house you want to buy. The latter can involve a conflict of interest, which usually works to your disadvantage.

To select a real estate agent, you should check with your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Find an agent you feel comfortable with and who is knowledgeable about the area you hope to buy in.

These are just the basics of home buying. You will find many details you need to master as you move through the buying process, but having these basics under your belt will give you a head start.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive ?Ask the Expert? business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

(BPT) - If home improvement was only about increasing a home's resale value, perhaps more people would live in homes that had steel entry doors, manufactured stone veneer and/or vinyl siding and interior walls that were a uniform beige. But when you're calculating the potential return on investment of any home improvement project, you need to consider more than just the cost.

In addition to resale value, your ROI calculations should also take into account the emotional satisfaction of a project, how it will affect your enjoyment of your home, and its impact on the house's livability. Some projects definitely return more of their investment at the time of resale — like that steel front door. But not everyone will fall in love with how a steel door looks, and may find the richness of wood more aesthetically satisfying. Other projects may really boost your enjoyment of your home, but be problematic when you one day want to sell; inground pools come to mind.

While some improvements you do because you have too — such as replacing the roof — a few home improvements positively affect resale value, increase a home's livability and elevate your enjoyment. These are the projects that you also do because you want to. Here are a handful of home improvements that meet all the criteria for a great investment not only when you sell but while you're living in the home:

Skylights

In the realm of home improvements, adding skylights is one of least expensive upgrades you can choose for the functionality and appearance benefits they provide.  You get a healthy nudge in resale value plus significant emotional and aesthetic benefits.  Skylights, which are particularly popular in kitchens and baths, admit more natural light into a home — which is always appealing to buyers — so when you're selling, rooms with skylights will appear bigger, airy and more inviting. While you're still living in the home, you'll reap the psychological and health benefits of more natural light and ventilation.

Opt for Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, and you can use the skylight not only for natural light but to provide passive ventilation that improves indoor air quality. You'll enjoy the skylights even more since they come with programmable touch pad remote to operate not only the skylights but also energy-efficiency-boosting accessories like blinds in designer colors and patterns. What's more, solar powered skylights and blinds, along with installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To learn more visit www.whyskylights.com.

Kitchen remodel

A minor kitchen remodel of around $20,000 returns nearly 80 percent of your investment when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. Upgrading your kitchen can also be deeply satisfying emotionally, giving you a chance to express your creativity while achieving gains in usability at the same time.

In practical terms, new kitchen appliances tend to be more feature-rich, usable and energy-efficient than older models. The same is true of kitchen faucets, which can allow you to waste less water or even thwart the spread of germs. New cabinets and countertops expand storage and work space while redefining the entire look of the kitchen.

Bath remodel

Bathrooms help sell homes, and remodeling yours can recoup 70 percent of the investment cost when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine. Since bathrooms are far more important than their practical purpose, an improved bathroom can realign how you feel about your living space. A soaking tub, great shower experience, fresh finishes and even fresh paint can all deliver more positive feelings about your bathroom.

What's more, replacing older faucets and fixtures can actually give you the satisfaction of reducing your water bill. Newer toilets, showerheads and faucets use less water to deliver the same quality of experience as older, less efficient models. Curbing water waste can save you money — and that's something anyone can feel good about!

Consider adding fresh air skylights to both rooms – in the kitchen for light and to vent cooking odors and heat and in the bath for more light, ventilation and privacy. They are cost effective upgrades that deliver both functionality and resale value.

Just as you would never take a job based only on the salary, you should never undertake a home improvement solely on its monetary value. Instead, consider all the elements of ROI — from cash to emotion — before deciding how to spend your home improvement dollars.

(BPT) - Owning a home is part of the American Dream, yet standards on income, credit and debt are making it tougher to buy a home than it was 10 years ago. Even though requirements are relaxing, only three out of five borrowers get approved.

While stricter standards make it tougher for young families to qualify for a mortgage, millennials said they understand why these standards exist and think the tougher requirements won’t stand in their way of buying a home, according to a new survey commissioned by loanDepot.

In fact, millennials today are serious about doing what’s required to get a mortgage. The research surveyed 1,000 millennials who don’t own a home and found 35 percent plan to buy within five years. What’s more, millenials are taking steps now to turn their dreams into a reality by getting their credit in order, paying down debt and saving for a down payment.

“Income is a key to opening the doors of homeownership for millennials, and they’re more than committed to it; they’re actively planning for it,” says Anthony Hsieh, chairman and chief executive officer, loanDepot LLC. “Our improving economy is making it practical for millennials who want to own their own homes in a few short years to get ready now. Their strong desire to become homeowners, coupled with the commitment of getting their finances in order, suggests a renewal in first-time buyer demand may be possible if we sustain necessary economic and market conditions.”

With their prospects improving as the economy picks up, millennials are forming households faster and making more money compared to a few years ago. One in three millennials said an increase of 15 percent or less in income will be enough to turn them into homebuyers, a significant proposition for the economy.

Because mortgage lenders use debt-to-income to evaluate a borrowers’ ability to repay a loan, student debt is a growing burden on millennials interested in financing a home. Unlike medical debt, student debt carries an equal weight to credit card debt. Nearly half of those surveyed said it’s unfair to weigh both types of debt equally.

As for the tougher requirements to getting a mortgage, millennials do think the tougher standards guard against risky loans and will help prevent another mortgage crisis. More than half say making it easier to get a mortgage will result in more foreclosures.

If you have student debt and want to buy your first home, here are a few ideas and tips to help you prepare:

* Lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). DTI is your total monthly income as compared to your total monthly debt payments. Most lenders will only lend to you if your DTI is at or below 43 percent. So to lower it, try to increase your income by pursuing a promotion or raise, finding a higher-paying job or taking on part-time work. Decrease your required monthly debt payments by refinancing or consolidating student loans and paying down any credit card balances.

* Get your credit score in order. Analyze your credit report before you start the home buying process. Dispute incorrect derogatory information and ensure all three credit-reporting bureaus list all of your positive information. Pay all your bills on time, reduce credit card balances to 30 percent of the credit limit or lower, and don’t open new credit cards if you already have a few.

* Save for a down payment. Make a budget for each month before it starts, with a plan for spending and saving, and stick to it. Stash away extra money from bonuses, overtime or financial gifts on your birthday or holidays. Find a roommate to help pay your rent or move into a less-expensive rental. Do freelance or contract work on the side. Sell unneeded stuff on Craigslist.

Renting Versus Buying A Home

Renters are often in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to continue renting or buy a home. Buying a home makes more sense, particularly when taking a long-term view. Yes, even in the current hot real estate market.

Renting ? Advantages

Renting can have a few advantages depending on the part of the country you live in. The primary advantage is your monthly rent payment may be less than an equivalent mortgage. A secondary advantage is the fact that maintenance and improvements to the property are the responsibility of the landlord. Still, these advantages pale in comparison to the disadvantages of renting.

Renting ? Disadvantages

The disadvantages of renting are significant. If you have any opportunity to purchase a home or condominium, it almost always makes sense to do so.

The biggest disadvantage of renting is the loss of value. Assume you rent a residence for $1,000 a month and you live in the residence for two years. You will have paid a total of $24,000 in rent, a pure expenditure. The $24,000 is simply gone and you will have nothing to show for it other than the time you spent in the home. Compare this to what your landlord has gained.

Rent payments are closely aligned with a landlord?s mortgage payment. Using the above example, lets assume your $1,000 rent exactly equals the mortgage payment. For two years, you have indirectly paid the landlord?s mortgage, helping them build equity in the house by paying down the loan. In addition, the landlord has benefited from the appreciation of the property.

By appreciation, I simply mean the amount of increase in the value of the house. If the rental appreciated $20,000 in two years, the landlord has received a windfall. They may have seen a gain of $24,000 in appreciation and payments lowering the mortgage. As a renter, you have made this all possible. The landlord no doubt would like to thank you.

Now, what would have happened if you had purchased a similar home with similar financial figures? You would have seen an increase in YOUR wealth of $24,000, not the landlord?s wealth. If you renting, these figures should make your teeth grind.

If you are renting, you should be out shopping for your own property. After all, isn?t it time to make your money work for you, not a landlord?

(BPT) - Whether committing to losing weight, improving your health or furthering your career, New Year's resolutions create stress and require time and hard work. This year, along with those admirable but difficult-to-keep resolutions, why not set a goal that's easy to achieve and will leave you with long-lasting satisfaction? Start the new year with a new bathroom, and you'll reap the rewards for years to come.

Creating an outstanding bathroom experience can be as easy as updating fixtures, freshening paint and adding some luxury touches. In fact, almost half of Americans (49 percent) who choose to remodel their bathrooms, do so in order to upgrade features and fixtures, according to a recent survey by Houzz. Focus your efforts on these key areas, and you can easily accomplish the uplifting resolution to improve your home this year.

Superior showering

Multiple surveys have shown that Americans view the shower as more than just a place to get clean. It's also where many go to de-stress and escape daily pressures. A shower can be soothing or stimulating, so you need a showerhead that's equally adept at creating both effects. And, since the Environmental Protection Agency says that nearly 17 percent of the water we use in our homes goes for showering, it's important to choose a showerhead that conserves water without sacrificing the quality of your showering experience.

Handshowers like the Aero Handshower Classic Series by TOTO combine the eco-friendly qualities of a low-flow showerhead with the convenience and luxury of a handshower. AeroJet+ technology dramatically increases the water's volume while decreasing consumption. Plus, the handshower allows you to aim the jet where it's needed most for cleanliness or to soothe sore muscles.

Finer fixtures

With the commode serving as both a practical item and a design element, upgrading the toilet is an easy, cost-effective addition to your bathroom remodeling plans.

Replace an older, dated and less efficient toilet with a modern low-flow option that conserves water without sacrificing flushing power. To elevate your new commode to a luxury experience, consider adding a personal cleansing unit. The Washlet B100 personal cleansing system installs on the toilet like any toilet seat and fits most elongated-bowl styles. An easy-to-read control panel allows users to set the temperature and pressure of the aerated water, and adjust the self-cleaning wand with dual-action spray. Additionally, a soft-seat closing feature ensures you'll never again hear a toilet lid slam.

Fulfilling faucets

Faucets are another key design element of any bathroom, and they not only influence the room's visual appeal, but its usability and environmental impact as well. Washing your hands can use about a gallon of water, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Imagine how much more water gets wasted if your old faucet is leaky or difficult to maneuver.

Replacing older, outdated faucets can help change the look and feel of a bathroom, allow you to use less water and even satisfy the varying dexterity levels of different members of the household. Single-handed options like TOTO's Keane Single Handle Faucet marry sturdy, practical design with sleek looks and ease of use. Forged brass construction valves with ceramic disk cartridges ensure longevity and improved temperature and flow control. The single-handle design makes the faucet easy to use for children and for seniors who might have dexterity limitations.

For more information on fixtures and other bathroom upgrade products, visit www.totousa.com.

Home Staging is not a new phenomenon, but has become a recognized and proven essential tool for marketing homes for sale. In other words, home staging services which will maximize the value of your property. There are many articles available that one should explore as a way of discovering new home staging strategies to help you prepare your home for a quick and profitable sale without spending more more money than is necessary.

Utilizing a little design psychology, you can profile the prospective buyers and make changes to the property to attract a specific market. Buyers can be quickly deterred by spaces that are empty and without life or rooms that are cluttered. By changing wall colors, making repairs, removing the clutter, re-arranging furniture, art and accessories, home staging could be the answer you need as it will transform your house into a home which will sell itself and which prospective buyers will be unable to resist.

Interior redesign is the instant transformation of a room by artfully rearranging the furniture, the artwork and possibly any personal accessories. The redesigning of a home is good for clients wanting to update their humble abode for their own enjoyment rather than for selling. If you plan to redesign your home, you will need to reinterpret the living spaces and your existing furnishings in your home in order to take advantage of what you already have in front of you. It requires a deep introspection into your individual needs.

Decorating is accomplished mainly from repositioning the existing furniture, revamping certain pieces, rearranging the decor, replacing or adding art and maybe incorporating other more personal accessories. Again there are many articles and good books available to inspire you and offer you advice on how to develop your home decorating ideas and if you feel the need, to restyle every room of your home.

The redesign phase of a home may include painting a few rooms and installing new carpeting. When you are ready to start with the redesign you may need to find goods or services to help you create your perfect interior. You may find that professional home decorating services typically charge less than interior designers, although some home staging professionals may also be trained interior designers.

There are many new businesses springing up for redesign and home staging. The job of professionals who specialize in home staging may be simply to assist sellers reorganize the existing furnishings. They may need to encourage them to pack those extra personal ?things?, and add a few carefully selected props that suggest pleasant activities, happiness
, peace and security in the home.

Sometimes all a place needs are suggestions from a professional third party. They see little things that the home owner cannot see. Nowadays there are accredited home staging specialist courses available and there are professionals who specialize in interior redesign and home staging in cities throughout the world.

(BPT) - Three percent of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) every winter, according to Psychology Today. But you don't have to be diagnosed with an actual disorder to suffer a bad case of the winter blues - it can happen to anyone. Since climate and environment have a lot to do with causing winter doldrums, you might find engaging in some home improvement projects can make you feel happier and healthier this winter.

Freshening your space can feel good any time of year, but certain projects are perfectly aligned to give you a much-needed mood boost when it turns cold or wet weather sets in. Here are four projects that not only can brighten your outlook, they can also be good for your wallet:

1. Install skylights

Avoiding SAD is preferable to treatment and skylights can help you maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home this winter. More natural light is good for you on many levels.

Sunlight stimulates the body's production of Vitamin D and increases the levels of serotonin in your brain; lower serotonin levels are thought to be associated with depression, lack of energy, elevated appetite and excessive sleepiness. What's more, if you opt for Energy Star-qualified solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux America, you can also help improve indoor air quality. These skylights open, providing passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and fresh air to enter, and they close automatically in case of rain.

Skylights can also be good for your financial health. Solar powered skylights, along with solar powered blinds, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. Also, more natural light in your home on a dark winter day can help decrease your need for artificial lighting. And sunshine can help warm the interior of your home and support the work your furnace does to keep the house comfortable.

Skylights can be installed in many areas of your home with kitchens and baths being among the most popular choices for more natural light, fresh air, and privacy. Even areas without direct roof access, like hallways and closets, can benefit from more natural light through tubular Sun Tunnel skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

2. Replace your garage door

If you're like most people, you probably don't think much about your garage door or the impact it has on how your home looks and feels. Yet the garage door is a huge surface area that directly affects your home's curb appeal and its ability to retain heat in the winter.

A great deal of warm air can escape a home through an uninsulated garage door. What's more, when the garage gets cold, it can affect the comfort of rooms around and above it. Have a game room over the garage that's chilly in winter? The garage door could be to blame.

Replacing an old, uninsulated garage door with a new insulated model can improve heat retention. And a new garage door is a great way to update your home's facade.

3. Replace an old appliance (or as many as you can afford)

If you're already bummed by winter, having to live with old, beat-up, inefficient appliances will only add to your frustration. Plus, older appliances generally use more electricity and water than newer models.

Replacing an old refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer with Energy Star-qualified appliances can help reduce your energy and water consumption - and bills. It's also an improvement that you can feel good about because it's the perfect marriage of practicality (you really need appliances that function well) and enjoyment (all those bells and whistles just make the work more fun).

4. Declutter and add organizers

You may not think of cleanup as a legitimate home improvement, but decluttering and organizing your environment can definitely boost your mood. In American homes, the problem of clutter has reached staggering proportions. More than half of Americans (54 percent) say they feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in their homes, and 78 percent have no idea what to do with it, according to a recent survey by the National Association for Professional Organizers and Declualsottr.com.

Grab some trash bags and start cleaning house. Trash the things that are clearly junk, donate things that are still usable but not by you and set aside the things you want to keep. Invest in some closet, cabinet and drawer organizers. Add storage cubbies to a mud room or entryway and create storage space in your garage.

(BPT) - While humans prepare for cold weather, deer have something else in mind when temperatures drop. Cold weather signifies mating season for deer. Numerous insurance industry and government studies indicate that during this time, deer become more active, aggressive and a greater threat to humans, pets and suburban landscapes.

Collisions between cars and deer account for about 200 deaths per year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Nationally, most accidents with deer occur between October and December - mating season - and are most common between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m., North Carolina Department of Transportation reports. About 1.23 million accidents involving deer occurred in the U.S. between July and June 30, each year, and caused more than $4 billion in vehicle damage, insurer State Farm says.

Eliminating deer from suburban settings won't be easy, since the easily accessible, nutritious food found in yards, along with a loss of predators, are sustaining urbanized deer. Your best defense is to learn more about deer, modify your behavior, and employ good tactics and remedies to repel deer.

As cold weather approaches, here are eight facts you should know about deer and how they can adversely affect your home and family:

* During mating season, deer are more active, forage intensely and seek mates. Bucks become particularly aggressive and can seriously injure - or even kill - pets and people.

* In cold weather, food is harder to find, and deer become much bolder, looking for food closer and closer to your backyard. Their foraging can cause significant damage to trees, shrubs and garden beds. Deer can eat 10 pounds of food a day - half a ton over their lifetime - according to Bobbex, a leading manufacturer of proven effective, natural deer repellants.

* Deer move freely through suburban landscapes when temperatures drop because they have no natural predators - other than humans - in suburbia. In the wild, predators serve as natural population control for deer, but such predators are rare or non-existent in suburban areas.

* In addition to the damage deer can cause to your yard and the dangers of encountering them on the road, deer also carry parasites that can harm people. The ticks that carry Lyme disease live on deer, and proximity to deer can increase your exposure to these ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness, and about 300,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

* While fences can be a sure way to keep deer out of your yard, you probably can't build one high enough. Deer can jump 8 feet, and many municipalities and homeowners associations limit suburban fence height to 5 or 6 feet.

* Deer have a better sense of smell than humans - nearly as good as your dog's. Canines have about 300 million olfactory receptors, whitetail deer have about 297 million and humans have just about 7 million. Their strong sense of smell helps deer find food and detect the presence of predators in their environment.

* When it comes to deterring deer, fencing, chemicals and devices don't always work. Natural deterrents, like Bobbex Deer Repellent, are more effective. A topical spray for foliage, Bobbex uses taste and scent-aversion ingredients to repel deer from ornamental plantings, shrubs and trees. It's safe for use on even the most sensitive plants, as well as around children and pets. Effective in any climate, it won't wash off after heavy rain or snow. In fact, the Connecticut Department of Forestry and Horticulture tested Bobbex's product against nine other top repellents and found it to be 93 percent effective in keeping deer away. It ranked number two; only a physical fence scored better. Visit& Bobbex to learn more.

* Deer are smarter than many people give them credit for. They quickly learn where to find easy food sources when the weather gets cold. "Unless deer are given a reason to change their browsing trail, they will continue to visit your yard," deer repellent expert, Nora Kwochka writes on the Bobbex blog.

As cold temperatures arrive and more deer activity occurs, it's important to protect your yard, home and family from foraging deer. Armed with knowledge and the right repellent, you'll be able to enjoy your backyard landscape without worrying about deer damage.

(BPT) - Throughout the cold days of winter, homeowners are inclined to turn up the dial on their thermostat to maintain a warm, comfortable home. However, homeowners may not realize the presence of drafts and air leaks throughout the home can lead to temperature fluctuation and higher than normal heating bills.

Drafts and gaps in insulation coverage can be a major contributor to increased utility bills, as well as inefficient performance of HVAC equipment. Conditioned air continually escapes the home, leaving the HVAC equipment to work overtime to compensate in an effort to reach the thermostat's set temperature. Air leakage from walls, windows, ceilings and floors can account for up to 40 percent of the energy lost by your home, potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars annually. Plus, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests air leakage contributes to potential moisture problems that can affect occupant health and the home's durability.

Homeowners can reduce air leakage in several ways, and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends homeowners take a comprehensive approach. First, detect where the air leaks are within your home. A certified HERS Rater will be able to help you identify such areas, as well as help assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.

Once all sources of air leaks have been identified, air sealing techniques and materials can be applied. Caulking and weather-stripping are two of the most popular and common techniques that can help address air leaks. However, building experts will suggest considering solutions that go further in terms of air-sealing by selecting a high-performance building material like spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation, such as Icynene, works well in all climates to seal the building and fill every gap to stop air leakage and help reduce the strain on HVAC equipment. As a solution that performs effectively year-round, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature while helping to control monthly heating and cooling expenses.

Additionally, spray foam insulation helps minimize random airborne moisture and pollutants from entering the home, ideal for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies once the snow melts and spring arrives. More information on how spray foam insulation can help homeowners minimize air leakage is available online at www.icynene.com.

This fall promises to be particularly popular for home projects. Lower gas prices are boosting people's discretionary income and Metrostudy's latest Residential Remodeling Index points to a continued rise in activity.
Like many trends, there isn't one particular reason fall has emerged as a popular time for home improvement, several factors play a role.

Energy efficiency is top of mind

With colder weather on the horizon, homeowners shudder at the thought of higher heating costs. They upgrade windows, layer in more insulation, service or replace old furnaces and, in some cases, do all of the above.
The weather is nice

Home improvement projects can be hard and even grueling work, particularly for DIYers. Lower temperatures and humidity create a much more comfortable environment for getting things done (and rhetorically keeping your cool when obstacles inevitably arrive).
The holiday entertaining wow factor

Everyone wants their home to sparkle when they welcome family and friends during the holidays. Completing a home improvement project during the fall sets up a big reveal when the holidays roll around.
Falling prices

Fall is an excellent time to save money by finding great deals on home improvement supplies and service. Year-end sales begin and discounts can be steep. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, with their annual Yard Sale in October, often have discounts to clear inventory before the New Year. Also, contractors are busiest during the warmer months ? their business cools as the weather does.
Facing tight timelines and tighter budgets, homeowners often need to prioritize their projects. Installing hardwood floors often provides a high return on investment, both from a quantitative (home value) and qualitative (pride in ownership) standpoint.
No matter what a homeowner chooses to do during the fall home improvement season, it will help reduce cabin fever during the winter months.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

Simple Ways To Protect Your Home Against Burglary

(NAPSI)-Protecting your home against break-ins may be easier than you fear. Here are a few hints that can help:

- Install lighting: Motion-sensing lights can be a great way to increase security without having to leave your outside lights on all night. Use them in any shadowy area where an intruder may linger.

- Maintain your landscaping: Don?t let overgrown shrubs give a criminal a place to hide. Keep trees and shrubs near the house neatly trimmed and be on the lookout for footprints near windows or trampled planting beds.

- Keep valuables out of sight: Put away electronics or other valuables whenever practical. Consider mounting large items such as TVs or artwork where there is no direct sightline to a window or keep drapes or blinds drawn.

- Your house never goes on vacation: A vacation can make your home an easy target. Never post on social media sites that you are going away. To deter trouble, invest in some inexpensive timers, which can be set up with staggered timing on multiple lamps and in multiple rooms to mimic a realistic lighting pattern. Visit the post office or fill out a form online to have your mail held while you?re away. Talk to your neighbors to let them know you?ll be gone, and if your trip overlaps with trash day, ask if they can move your bins out for pickup and take them in afterward.

- Upgrade door locks: Add dead bolts to any doors that don?t have them, including the garage and shed. Dead bolts are significantly harder to force open than the more common spring bolts found in many doorknobs.

- Fortify windows: Glass windows are one of the most vulnerable areas of any home and intruders often target windows if doors are locked and secured. Whenever you?re away or asleep, close them and install locks on any windows that don?t have them. You can also get security window film. One manufacturer, 3M, offers security films designed to hold broken glass together. The films prevent shattered glass from flying into the house, reducing potential injury. Tests have shown that windows protected with security window film can deter intruders for as long as two minutes-giving police additional response time. Security window films also reject up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays, reducing the effects of fading on your furnishings, and block IR rays, keeping heat out of your house.

For more information on security window film, visitwww.3m.com/windowfilmsecurity.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

Snow Sells Houses - Winter home-staging

(VMS Source) As our favorite flowers get buried under the snow and the shrubs shed their greenery, it is all too easy for your house and front yard to blend in with all the other white places in your area. But when your house is on the market it is advantageous to have it defined and noticeable, looking like the pick of the bunch.

This is not so difficult to achieve, selling your home in the winter does have some seasonal advantages that can help your home appeal to a prospective buyer. By spending only a few dollars, you can transform your home into a Christmas card scene!

As your buyer turns into your street, he/she will already be assessing your home strictly from the outside view. For this reason, you will want the exterior of your home to look uncluttered. Remove all kid's bikes, hockey nets, etc. Be sure that you park your family vehicles in the neighbor's driveway, (ask first!) or around the corner. This will ensure that the buyer's first impression of your home will also include your garage doors and driveway. A spacious front yard gives a feeling of more privacy, so strive for this.

Be sure to remove all garbage cans and recycle bins from sight. This is critical if you have steps to negotiate when they are put out. Try to minimize any shortfalls that your property may have.

Another first impression for night viewings will be the light streaming out of your windows, making the home look welcoming - or not. A bright white light and a full view of the interior would not be desirable.

You do not want them assessing the interior when they should be admiring the exterior. From the outside you want to evoke a warm welcome into the home and a suggestion of coziness can easily be achieved.

However, first things first, make sure the windows are sparkling clean; this will be especially beneficial for day-time viewings when you want all the natural light to flood in.

For the evening viewings, place an amber or pink light bulb in at least one of your lamps, to give a warm ambience to your room. Keep the lighting low at first; once the bell rings you can add more lighting.

Another spot for lighting is the front door and this can also be a tinted bulb for a warmer welcome. Make sure that the front door bell works and that the door does not stick! Once something does not work, the buyer wonders what else is wrong with the house.

As most of the blooms in your yard are gone, it may look a little austere. Do you have any decorative pathways that can be swept to reveal their pattern? Of course the walkways will be shoveled free of snow, but if you actually sweep them with a yard broom, it will reveal the patterning and colors that you may have.

As you are trying to show your home to its best advantage, you may think about removing the shoveled snow to the back yard. If you want the Christmas card view, you can't have heaps of dirty snow piled up! Do be ultra sure that there are no slippery spots.

Discuss with your realtor whether or not to add accessories. For instance, would a few large pots of berry bushes look good grouped on the front lawn? Would the front door benefit from a three foot fir tree in a pot on each side of it?

Your walkways will be further enhanced by lamps placed along it, these are very reasonable and push into the ground in seconds. The snow will reflect the lamp glow and add to the curb appeal of your home.

Once you have gone to all this trouble, just hope that a blizzard does not arrive with the buyers!

(BPT) - Buying a new house is an exciting time in your life. Because it is one of the most important investments you’ll make for yourself and your family, there are many important factors to consider. Before making a purchase, take these four questions into account. Having the answers will allow you to enjoy your new home now and in the years ahead.

1. What exterior color palette speaks to you? Your home is a reflection of your personality and can be an extension of your lifestyle. When buying or designing a new house, contemplate its curb appeal. First impressions matter, so it’s important to consider architectural style, exterior color and details like trim and landscaping. Coordinate the trim, soffits and doors with the primary siding color for a polished look. To help, look to popular and complementary color combinations developed by the color professionals at James Hardie: www.jameshardie.com/pdf/colorplus-color-combinations.pdf.

2. Is your home protected from environmental elements? With today’s ever-changing climate, extreme weather is a reality in all corners of the country. From hurricanes and blizzards to wind and wildfires, select siding and trim products that help protect your home. Consider your options carefully. Vinyl siding can melt and wood is susceptible to rot. James Hardie siding products are engineered specifically for climate zones, so whether you live in a cold, wet, hot or dry part of the country, you can choose the siding that will stand up to weather conditions in your area.

3. Is your new home built using sustainable products? Green building is popular these days, in part because an energy-efficient home can save a homeowner money on heating and cooling bills. By choosing a home clad in 100 percent sustainable and efficient material, you're consuming less energy and reducing your environmental footprint.

4. What maintenance will your new home require? Selecting or buying a home made with low-maintenance building materials can lower the chances of large ticket home repairs, or prevent them altogether. Wood siding and trim requires frequent repainting or replacement, and vinyl may warp, melt or fade. Considering durable and longer-lasting fiber cement siding can minimize the need for repairs. Additionally, purchasing a product with a strong warranty is a great way to maximize and protect your investment.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

Shopping for a home can be an exciting time in one?s life. There are so many things to consider; how many rooms, how many bathrooms, the neighborhood and the school district. However, perhaps the most important consideration is how much house one can afford. The general rule of thumb is that most homeowners can afford a mortgage loan that is 2-2.5 times their gross income. This means a family with a household income of $100,000 could probably afford a $200,000-$250,000 home. Of course this is generalization. There are other factors to take into consideration.

When lenders are considering potential buyers they look at more than just their gross income. They also look very closely at the buyer?s front-end and back-end ratios, as well as the amount of the down payment they can afford. We will take a closer look at what these factors are and why they are important.

1. Front-end ratio: The front-end ratio is the percentage of one?s gross income that will go towards the monthly mortgage payment. The mortgage consists of principle, interest, taxes and insurance. Most lenders don?t want to see the front-end ratio higher than 28%. This means that the mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of one?s monthly income.

2. Back-end ratio: The back-end ratio is the percentage of one?s gross income that is required to cover debts. This includes the mortgage, credit card payments, child support and the like. Most mortgage companies would like to see this ratio stay below 36% of one?s gross income.

3. Down payment: Lenders would like to see a down payment of at least 20%. A down payment of this amount will allow the buyer to skip out on paying expensive mortgage insurance.

Purchasing a home can be a very satisfying experience. It is a life-long dream for many and a great accomplishment. However, it can also be expensive, so one?s total financial situation must be taken into consideration. One must not only consider ones income, but also expenses, debt, lifestyle and personality. Only after these things are carefully and completely considered is one ready to purchase a home.

(BPT) - How much do you spend on utilities? Are you looking for ways to save? A typical American household spends about $2,100 on energy bills each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most of that expense comes from a home’s energy use during the winter heating season. But a quick home checkup can help you can reduce these costs, prepare for winter and enjoy energy savings.

Properly installed and maintained windows and doors can help keep your home more comfortable year-round. Save on heating costs by preparing your windows and doors for winter with these tips:

* Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in windowsills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance.

* Check weather stripping. Re-attach or replace missing or worn weather stripping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in during the winter and out in the summer, reducing energy efficiency.

* Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors. Reseal areas around windows and doors that may have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight - creating breaks in caulk or sealant - to help reduce potential drafts and leaks.

* Installing snap-in blinds or shades. Install snap-in blinds or shades to help insulate your home from cold outdoor temperatures. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy.

* Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood associated with water penetration may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home.

* Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage. Adding a Pella storm door to your exterior doors can reduce energy loss through the entryway by up to 45 percent.

* Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single-pane glass, clear glass, or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. Replace old windows with energy-efficient, double or triple-pane glass versions made with insulating argon, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy year-round.

Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest..

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - The change of season creates a need for many adjustments around your home, from switching over wardrobes to warmer clothes, to completing necessary yard work and home repairs. You can also make adjustments to ensure you get the most out of your heating and cooling dollars as temperatures change.

When you consider that space heating is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. home - accounting for 45 percent of energy bills, according to energy.gov - it makes sense to take steps to improve heating efficiency. Tackle this change-of-season checklist to help lower home energy costs now, before the long, cold winter sets in.

Program your thermostat

An easy first step is to turn down the temperature on your thermostat, particularly while you’re away from home. You can save roughly 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours, according to energy.gov. And, since fall temperatures can fluctuate quickly, from warm and balmy during one part of the day to cold and blustery during another, consider a programmable thermostat that you can adjust remotely as weather conditions change. 

For example, the Trane XL824 Smart Control Wi-Fi thermostat lets you program seven days of temperatures, with up to six schedules per day, as well as monitor temperatures and make adjustments remotely from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Compatible with Nexia Home Intelligence, the control enables you to receive temperature alerts via text and email. You can even view system-generated charts to determine how much energy you’re using, so you can immediately make adjustments to save money.

Change your furnace filter

When your HVAC system circulates and filters the air in your home, dust and dirt particles build up on the filter. Excessive accumulation can block the airflow, forcing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. And the harder the system works, the more energy it uses. Your system will have to work less, use less energy and last longer if you clean or replace your filter monthly, or at least every three months.  

Take steps to keep cold air out 

Small cracks and holes throughout your home can be a source of heat loss. To help keep cold air out and warm air in, add weather-stripping around windows and doors. Consider adding insulation to your attic or crawl space. Even closing your drapes at night can help keep heat inside.   

Protect outdoor HVAC equipment

Take some time to care for your outdoor HVAC unit, too. Clean off any fallen and decaying leaves from the fan grill so they won’t affect its operating efficiency.

Schedule annual HVAC servicing

Now is an ideal time to schedule an annual servicing checkup for your heating and cooling system. A qualified dealer can inspect your system and recommend any adjustments to ensure it is working properly and make any necessary repairs. To find an expert Trane Comfort Specialist near you, visit www.trane.com.          

These steps will better prepare your home for the season change, and also keep your family more comfortable, no matter what the weather brings. So check off all the items on your list and watch those lower energy bills come in.

(BPT) - Kitchens are the heart of the home. It's where you prepare meals, help your kids with homework and entertain guests. It's the room in the house where everyone gathers, where memories are made, and, with solid investment, can single-handedly increase the value of your home and help you build more of a nest egg. Even if you're considering selling your home, all eyes of prospective buyers will inevitably be on the kitchen.

When making investments in your home, the kitchen is unanimously the best place to start,says Nate Berkus, renowned decorator, designer and artistic advisor for LG Studio appliances. For me, a great kitchen is one that feels timeless. To accomplish that, reach for what feels classic for the space like subway tiles and stainless steel, and allow the elements that tell your story to come through in the non-permanent fixtures like the furniture, fabrics and details.

Here are Berkus & five tips for designing a forever kitchen that will sustain its value, whether you're looking to put your house on the market or simply updating it for your family's enjoyment:

1. A timeless look: When it comes to making big design decisions in your kitchen, put aside trends and go with timeless and elegant. Reach for what feels classic like white subway tiles, brass and stainless steel appliances - things that will look as good 10 years from now as they do today. The entire LG Studio line of premium, built-in appliances, for example, was designed with a signature look, feel and style that will easily transition with you through the years.

2. Paint: I don't know why people always grimace when I say to paint wood. It isn't a cardinal sin, especially in the kitchen. Tearing out cabinets isn't always an option, but painting, while a bit of work, is one of my favorite things to do. Reach for black. It sets off all the appliances and makes for a dramatic change.

3. Brighten with lights: I tell my clients this all the time - lighting is one of the most important decisions you can make in any room, including the kitchen. I love vintage pendant lights over an island or table. Since lighting can often add to a dated vibe of the space, swapping it out for something more timeless immediately makes the space appear more modernized & perfect for illuminating any potential buyers.

4. The long haul: Making over a kitchen is no small feat. It's expensive and time consuming. Trust me when I say I get it. So, your best asset is information. Start building that Pinterest board to identify what you like. Once you have that, you can start to attach costs. Mine always starts with what's permanent like the cabinets, appliances and tiles. These, along with the appropriate team to help you make and install all of it, are your best investments. From there, consider ways that you can have what you want at a price you can live with. I’ve seen the most amazing islands fashioned from unique things like a farm table, or hutches that are free standing on a wall as opposed to extending your cabinets. These can all be ways to get a big look without the big price tag.

5. Consider technology: The home of the future is actually here today. It's one that is wired for sound, TV and Wi-Fi. Simply put, our kitchen island is command central for more than meal prep. For many of us it's also the office. So, to add value to this space, don't undervalue what will make life easier, like outlets that have USB ports in the wall and island, charging docks and TVs. We do so much more in this space than cook. So, to add value, add ways for you be connected ... just not at the dinner table.

(BPT) - It's hard to believe, but the polar vortex a couple of years ago wasn't all bad. Sure, it brought North America record cold and snow, in one of the worst winters ever. But the weather phenomenon's silver lining was in persuading many homeowners it was time to forever abandon their conventional roofs for something better. That "something" is the increasingly popular metal roof.

According to the St. Louis-based Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), the residential metal roofing market has grown by double digits in the last five years. Residential roofing experts report metal roofing is winning converts based on its durability, fire-resistance, energy savings, value and natural good looks.

"People are getting tired of having to replace asphalt shingles every 10 to 12 years," says Brian Cosyns, president of Metal Roof Outlet in Courtland, Ont., which installs hundreds of metal roofing systems yearly. "People are becoming more and more educated on metal roofing, and are seeing the longevity of it ... after completing [a metal roofing] job, you've made a big difference in appearance, energy savings and the value of the home."

The MRA reports non-metal roofs last 17 years on average, but metal roofs can last a lifetime. Though higher in initial costs, they can boost homes' resale value. They can also cut homeowners' insurance premiums in some states by up to 35 percent.

Among factors underpinning the growth of metal roofs, few are more important than the roofing systems' fire-resistance, the alliance reports.

The product Cosyns' firm installs, Allmet Stone-Coated Metal Roofing, and another brand, Gerard Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Systems, both tout the benefits of their Class A Fire Ratings. This fire resistance adds to particularly high demand for these roofing systems in wildfire-prone areas of North America.

The extra durability that stone-coated metal roofing systems provide is identified as another factor in their increasing use. These systems don't rot, warp, crack or break. They are superior to conventional roofing systems in standing up to extreme weather with a 2.5 inch hailstone warranty, Class 4 impact rating, and 120 mile per hour wind warranty.

Metal roofs last two to three times longer than ordinary roofs, meaning they can last 40 to 60 years or longer, according to the MRA.

While conventional roofs in darker colors absorb the sun's rays, metal roofing actually reflects them. That decreases summertime cooling loads and also insulates against winter's cold, saving homeowners utility costs.

Metal roofing's aesthetics are realistic and mimic natural roofing products, experts say. Both Allmet and Gerard stone-coated metal roofing systems offer an array of styles, from natural clay tiles to wood shake, natural slate and asphalt-like shingles. "The shake resembles natural shake perfectly, and the tile resembles clay tile," Cosyns says of the Allmet roofs his firm installs throughout Ontario.

Cosyns reports homeowner customers like the functional benefits of stone-coated metal roofs, and really enjoy their curb appeal. "They love the appearance the roof provides the home," he says. For more information, visit: www.allmet.comor Gerardusa.com.

(BPT) - Stop waiting - go ahead and put your home on the market. Even now, with temperatures dropping, airports bustling and retailers prepping Black Friday deals, it's a good time to sell.

In fact, Greg Jaeger, vice president at USAA Bank and former real estate agent, says waiting could decrease potential buyers, especially if mortgage rates increase soon and price some out of the market. Delaying a sale also could increase your competition and stress.

"Those who sell their homes in the winter can reap financial and emotional benefits since they are not waiting until everyone else is trying to sell," Jaeger says.

Less Competition

Your home has a greater chance of standing out from the crowd in the winter months, December through February. In the summer, you have to compete with other sellers looking to lure buyers expecting deals. To be sure, sales trends are different among colder and warmer states. And summer is often a more ideal time for families with young children to plan moves before school starts. However, you may be overlooking another group of buyers, Jaeger said.

"During the summer, buyers look like families. In the winter they look like investors," he said.

Sellers often are able to ask more for their homes in winter, Jaeger said. A study by online brokerage firm Redfin found average sellers earn above their asking price December through March than they do in the summer months. In addition, in winter months a home is on the market for an average of 26 days, compared to 33 days in non-winter seasons, according to Redfin's data.

Less Stress

There's a certain ecosystem to the home buying process, which includes realtors, home inspectors, appraisers, the title company and the bank processing the loan. That ecosystem is tense when activity is the busiest, Jaeger said. In peak buying season, there's overwhelming demand to process transactions, with potentially an overwhelmed system for processing them.

"You can help reduce the typical home buying and selling stress by selling your home during the winter ‘shoulder season' and working with experts who really understand your needs," he said.

Those needs often are more complex when the military is involved. While the military's Permanent Change of Station season typically prompts many military families to sell their homes during the busy summer months, duty can call in the winter too.

"Working with an experienced real estate agent, such as a USAA Real Estate Rewards Network agent who focuses on serving the military community, can help keep extra stress at bay," he said.

To learn more or to find a USAA Real Estate Rewards Network agent near you, visit usaa.com/findanagent.

Home Equity Loan vs. Refinancing

Confused whether to get home equity loan or go for cash-out refinancing? You are not alone! Know more about these two loan schemes through this article.

Home equity loan and refinancing are two excellent ways that can help you manage your finances. However, it may prove difficult to choose one from the other and should depend on what your financial goals are. You can opt for the lower payment schemes of cash-out refinancing, or you can choose the great tax benefits offered by a home equity loan. The choice, however, does not prove to be as simple as this. Here is a comparison of these two types of loans to help you see which one is right for you.

Cash-Out Refinance Loan

Cash-out refinance simply means that you are refinancing your existing mortgage in order to lower your monthly payment and/or your current interest rate, and get some additional cash for other pressing reasons such as for home improvement, renovation, and the likes. If you are lucky to choose the right timing, you may be able to get all these with cash-out refinancing. Say, your home is valued at $300,000 and your existing mortgage balance is $200,000, your home equity remains at $100,000. You are free to borrow the remaining equity as you deem necessary.

Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans are usually provided in two kinds: the home equity line of credit and the home equity installment loan. A home equity line of credit line means that you are borrowing against the value of your home; your home is your collateral to the credit. Home equity plans are usually set at a fixed time; say 10 years but with variable loan rates. Your interest rate and the annual percentage rate of your mortgage can move up and down depending on the market trends. During the specified time, you are free to obtain the cash when you need it, and pay only for what you happen to spend. Some mortgages are offered with payment of full outstanding balance, while others allow repayment over a fixed time.

On the other hand, an installment loan is a loan that has a fixed rate that stays the same all throughout the rest of your home equity loan terms. Also called the closed end home equity loan, you amortize your loan for periods lasting up to about 15 years. In this kind of home equity loan, you usually receive a lump sum at closing depending on your home value, and you can not borrow further afterwards.

Which is better?

Remember that interest rates do not usually behave normally, much as you want them to. When this happens, home equity loans may actually prove cheaper than refinancing, although they are potentially riskier. Choosing what is better between the two should depend on individual circumstances. For example, if you plan to pay off your mortgage and do not need as much money, you can go for a home equity loan to get lower rates and shorter terms. On the other side of the fence, with cash-out refinancing, you can get all your money up front and simply pay off interest and principal on a lowered monthly basis as agreed upon, with no frills. Weigh carefully based on what your financial objectives are and choose one which you think will give you a fairer deal.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - For many pests, including rodents, spiders and cockroaches, the change in season indicates the need to find shelter from the colder temperatures ahead. In some cases, this shelter is the same place that keeps your family warm and dry.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that fall pest-proofing is important to prevent pests from making their home in yours.

Unwanted pests are more than a just nuisance in the home. They pose serious health and property threats as well. Rodents can gnaw through wires causing structural damage, putting homes at risk for fire. Rodents also can carry diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus. Rodents can also cause secondary infestations by bringing fleas, mites or ticks into homes.

Other pests like cockroaches are known to trigger allergies and asthma symptoms - especially in young children - and some species of spiders, if disturbed, will bite in defense. 

“Pest prevention is a year-round process, and in anticipation of cooler weather, it's time for a change in the ways you protect your home from unwanted intruders,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.  “Besides being a nuisance, pests can also pose health and property threats. Homeowners must take proactive measures to prevent pests from coming indoors." 

The NPMA recommends these fall pest-proofing tips for homeowners:

* Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys and any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors.

* Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Pests are attracted to areas of moisture, something they need to survive. Using dehumidifiers in basements and garages will help keep these areas dry.

* Seal cracks and crevices. Don’t forget about the outside of the home. Use caulk and steel wool to seal any potential entryways for pests. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the structure. Mice can fit through holes as small as the circumference of a dime.

* Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the home. These are easy ways to keep out not only pests, but also cold air.

* Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery in the yard trimmed back. Eliminating areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chance of them finding a way inside.

* Have a proper outdoor drainage system. Installing gutters or repairing an existing system will help draw water and moisture away from your home, preventing any leaks or build up that might attract pests.

* Work with a pest professional. The best way to protect against a pest infestation in your home is early prevention by following these pest-proofing tips. However, if you suspect an infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to treat the problem.

Learn which pests are common in your area. For information about common pests and how to prevent them, visit www.pestworld.org.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - It's coming - the white, windy weather of winter. Are you ready? Is your home? Now is the time to protect your home and wallet with a quick window and door checkup to make needed repairs and reduce costs.

Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in window sills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance.

Check weather stripping. Re-attach or replace loose or worn weather stripping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in, reducing energy efficiency.

Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors. To help reduce potential drafts and leaks, reseal areas around windows and doors that may have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight, creating breaks in caulk or sealant.

Install snap-in blinds or shades. Snap-in between-the-glass blinds or shades help insulate your home from cold outdoor temperatures. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy.

Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood on the roof or near the foundation is typically associated with water penetration and may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home.

Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage.

Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single-pane glass or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your home in the winter. Replace them now with energy-efficient, double- or triple-pane glass versions, such as those offered by Pella, and made with insulating argon, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy year round.

For more home tips, follow Pella on Pinterest and Houzz and visit Pella.com to connect with your local Pella representative.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - When it comes to caring for your yard, maintenance is crucial – especially during the fall when it needs to recover from the wear and tear of summer and prepare for winter’s harsh conditions. Knowing what your lawn and garden needs from season to season not only makes it easier for you to stay organized with your list of backyard to-do’s, but it also allows you to identify and treat any problems before they become bigger issues down the road.

Get your lawn and garden back in shape and ready for the coming season by completing these fall backyard projects.

1. Patch and seed – Extreme summer weather conditions like heat, excess rainfall and drought can lead to diseased or dead patches of grass throughout your yard. If you notice an affected area while inspecting your lawn, treat the problem area immediately and then reseed it. This will nourish grass, plus help it establish strong roots needed for growth in the spring.

2. Plant bulbs – Give your spring garden a head start by planting bulbs 5 to 8 inches deep, depending on the size, with the pointy end up. You can also plant bulbs in clusters. However, since bulbs can be hard to tell apart, be sure to keep the labels intact until they are planted. 

3. Remove leaves and small debris – Leaves, small twigs and light dirt can quickly accumulate in your yard during the fall and if not removed, can cause soil compaction and make your yard look messy. For a quick cleanup solution, use a leaf blower to easily move debris from your lawn, driveway or patio. Opt for a blower like Troy-Bilt’s new Jet leaf blower that achieves a perfect balance of speed and volume with its mixed-flow fan design, helping you clear your yard efficiently and effectively. Jet also has an optimal weight balance, so the blower is stable and easy to control. When removing leaves, make sure they are dry and wind is at a bare minimum to ensure an easy removal process.

4. Compost – Fall isn’t too late to start a compost pile as it takes six months to one year to develop into rich soil you can use in your garden. Keep in mind, compost decomposition slows down during the cooler months, which is why it is important to retain heat needed for decomposition by refraining from turning your compost pile.

5. Prune – Pruning is considered the best preventive maintenance for your trees and shrubs, particularly in the fall and late dormant season. Look to prune diseased or dying branches, but be sure not to remove unreasonably large branches. This leaves exposed stubs that can potentially cause health problems. 

6. Weed – Though a year-round yard task, it’s extremely important to pull as many weeds as possible in the fall. As cooler temperatures set in, weeds start to store food in their roots for the winter. Prevent weed regrowth by pulling or digging weeds out of the ground with a weeding blade or use a homemade weed control solution, such as a combination of vinegar, water and dish soap.

For more lawn and garden tips, backyard project ideas and information about the Jet leaf blower, visit troybilt.com.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - The fun chaos of the holidays is right around the corner. Family gatherings to plan, delicious meals to prepare, gifts to find and purchase, and a house to decorate ... the list goes on!

With entertaining season approaching at warp speed, it’s time to get your home spruced up and looking like new. Your time is precious around the holiday season, so to help make the most of your days – and budget – try these easy solutions to prepare for the holidays while keeping your sanity.

* A fresh coat of paint is a quick and easy way to give your home a new look at an affordable price. Consider starting with the rooms most frequently used, but don’t forget the guest bedrooms and bathrooms. To make the most of your effort, use a paint that has the durability and color-lasting qualities you need. Valspar Reserve, available at Lowe’s, resists stains and fading and allows you to easily wipe away marks without taking off paint, even if your guests accidentally scuff walls with their suitcases.

* A simple way to decorate for the holidays year after year is with an artificial tree. Lowe’s offers four trees pre-lit with color-changing LED lights, meaning you can change the look – and color – of the tree with just a push of the pedal making your decorating process much easier. For a formal dinner event, glowing white light sets a perfect ambiance. Switch to the multi-color option to delight the kids.

* Use holiday decorations in unexpected ways to add festive cheer in every room of your home with minimal effort. Try hanging ornaments to decorate live plants, light fixtures, doorway overhangs, stairwells, mirrors and even the mantel. For this project, don’t use expensive or family heirloom ornaments – just purchase coordinating ones that work with the color pattern you already have in the room.

* Guests in the house mean more foot traffic and chance for a mess, but you don’t have to worry about those inevitable spills or stains. STAINMASTER carpets available at Lowe’s are 30 percent more resistant to stains than other brands, and with new carpets on the floor, you’ll have a fresh new look in your home that won’t cause you stress when everyone arrives for the holiday parties.

* Potted evergreen plants decorated with lights bring plenty of festive feelings into a room. The best news is that when spring arrives, you can plant them outside in your backyard, or donate them to a community project that needs evergreen trees. Using live plants infuses the room with light and good, clean oxygen, and it’s the subtle touches your guests will appreciate and remember.

With these timely tips, you – and your home – will be ready for a holiday season of celebrations.

Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter. Each week's email includes the area's most-current real estate digital publication that high-lights the local Agents & Brokers current listings. We also publish informative news articles and expert home & lifestyle tips & tricks that can help you handle your do-it-yourself & beyond projects. If you need more expert help, we have included a Products & Service Directory of local professionals as a resource for you. Don't forget ALL the money saving Coupons as well! To get your LifeandHomes Weekly Newsletter emailed over to you FREE - Just click here .

(BPT) - In a relationship, you count on your significant other to be there with you through the good and the bad. They are your best friend, your confident and your closest ally. And you count on being able to have important conversations with them as well.

One of those important conversations every couple should have focuses on money and each person's respective financial goals, especially if you are planning to purchase a home. However, 33 percent of married or partnered adults have difficulty discussing money with their significant other, according to a Wells Fargo survey. "I think money is one of those topics most couples put off discussing because it can be sensitive," says Arlene Maloney, senior vice president, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. "However, if you don't discuss money before entering into a major credit purchase, like homeownership, you open yourself up for potential problems down the road."

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments most people make in their lifetime. When two people decide to achieve the goal of homeownership together, it's important to understand not only your own finances and credit profile but your partner's finances and goals as well.

To help you broach this conversation with your partner, here are some things you should discuss before you move forward:

Where you will live and what you want to purchase. Do you want to live in the city or the suburbs? Are you set on a single-family home or a condo? Do you want to build your home or purchase an established property? Having answers to these questions will help you speak to a lender and learn more about how the type of home you choose may affect loan approval requirements or what options exist if you want to build your home. You'll also learn if any bond or down payment assistance programs may be offered in the municipalities you are considering.

Your partner's credit score. Lenders use customers' credit profiles to help determine your ability to repay a loan. When purchasing a home with someone else, both of your credit scores are considered. In most cases the lowest middle score between the two of you will be used. If you or your significant other has a very low score this may not only impact the loan amount you receive but also the interest rate. It may even prevent approval. If one of the credit scores is very low, as a couple you might discuss only one person applying for the mortgage loan.

Have an honest conversation about debt. An important factor that lenders evaluate is your debt-to-income ratio. This varies by mortgage program but a good rule of thumb is to ensure your debt level is at or below 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Having an overabundance of debt could impact the amount of the loan or whether you receive mortgage approval.

How much money can you put toward the purchase? It isn't necessary for you to put 20 percent down but most loan options require some sort of down payment. In many cases lower down payment options require mortgage insurance, which will increase your monthly payment.

Will one or both of you be on the note? If purchasing a home with someone else, each of you must qualify in order to be on the note, and both of you are responsible for the debt. If only one person is on the note, the other may not engage in any transactions regarding the loan, including refinancing, or application for modification. If one of you has less desirable credit, you may decide that only one of you will apply for the mortgage. You should also consult your state's attorney general's office to see if any community property laws exist in your state. Such laws could make a spouse legally responsible for any debt acquired by the other spouse after marriage. If such a law exists in your state, it's important you are aware of it.

Purchasing your first home is an exciting time and, for many people, a sign of success. But while you may want to rush out and start the shopping process now, take your time. Having a conversation with your significant other about the topics above beforehand will ensure you're both on the same page and set you up to make the most of your future and the home it includes. To find answers to your other questions about credit and homeownership, visit Wells Fargo's Smarter Credit Center or WellsFargo.com/mortgage.

(BPT) - Although you may prefer to forget, last winter's subfreezing temperatures may not be an isolated occurrence. Weather experts are already discussing if El Nino and arctic air from a polar vortex will cause colder than normal winter weather throughout the country. Is your home ready to withstand the chill?

Smart homeowners are taking time now to prepare their homes for the harsh weather. Winterizing not only helps maintain comfortable temperatures inside, but also helps lower your energy bill. Fortunately, some of the improvements that have the biggest impact are also easy to do and surprisingly affordable.

1. Seal gaps and cracks

The average midsize U.S. home has a half mile of gaps and cracks according to www.energystar.gov. Cold air infiltrates through those spaces causing your furnace to work overtime. An easy way to combat the problem is to use Great Stuff(TM) Gaps & Cracks to fill openings around electrical outlets, plumbing pipes, doors, dryer vents and more. Sealing your home takes just a few hours whether you do it yourself or work with a contractor. Visit dowgreatstuff.com/winterize to learn more.

2. Reverse fan blades

Your ceiling fans aren't just valuable during summer – they can help reduce energy costs by circulating warm air that rises to the top of rooms. To ensure your fan is circulating the air correctly, you need to reverse the blades. Most modern ceiling fans have a handy switch that controls the blade direction. During the winter, set the blades to spin clockwise to help warm rooms and set to counterclockwise during summer for cooling breezes.

3. Eliminate drafty windows

Have you ever felt a draft as you walked by your window? Gaps around windows are a major source of heat loss. Seal out those drafts with Great Stuff(TM) Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant. This specially formulated low-pressure sealant is easy to apply and insulates the window without bending the frame when properly applied. Another great tip is to open the curtains during the daylight hours on south-facing windows so the sun can help heat your home naturally. Close curtains when the sun sets to reduce the chill.

4. Install an adjustable thermostat

An adjustable thermostat is an effective tool for maintaining a comfortably warm home and cutting heating costs. If you have one but don't have it set, now is the time to learn how. By adjusting the temperature down while you're sleeping or away, you can save plenty of money. In fact, by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours, you can save 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bill, according to energy.gov.

5. Tune up your furnace

If meteorologists' predictions are correct, your furnace will be working hard this winter. Make sure it is working effectively and efficiently by scheduling a tune-up now. A qualified technician will check the coils and clean and lubricate important mechanical parts. Some utility companies offer free checkups to customers, so be sure to ask about your options. In addition to a tune-up, remember to change your furnace filter once a month during the heating season to maintain proper air flow.

(BPT) - During the winter months, it is common to see shopping centers and business owners out and about clearing snow and ice from pathways, parking spaces and entrances. But this is not just good business to help customers get in the door — it is also a liability issue should someone slip and fall and injure themselves. Homeowners, too, face similar, albeit more limited, liability if they fail to take adequate steps to remove such slippery hazards from their property.

Generally speaking, homeowners are responsible for limiting dangers on their property, but in some cases, this can also extend to public sidewalks abutting your home. In some localities, governments also require homeowners clear snow and ice or face fines. A regional survey of county and municipal agencies conducted by the Salt Institute found 83 percent have written policies directing property owners to remove accumulated snow and ice "within 24 hours of the end of the snowstorm." Penalties for property owners not complying can range from nominal tickets, to misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail, to fines of up to $500.

Shoveling snow is simple, but ice removal is another matter, and nothing works better to remove or prevent ice from forming than salt. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid and vice versa. The most effective way to use salt is to melt the snow or ice that is right at the pavement. If you can do this, then you will find it much easier to shovel the snow or ice from the sidewalk. This process, preventing water from freezing in the first place, is called anti-icing. It is best achieved by putting salt (or some other anti-icing material) down on the sidewalk when a freeze or a snowfall is expected. In contrast, melting water already frozen is called deicing and in this case salt is applied once ice appears. It still works, but is less efficient than anti-icing.

Commercially available anti-icing materials include salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium acetate and calcium magnesium acetate. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but salt remains the best choice for use at temperatures above 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9.4 degrees Celsius). For extremely low temperatures, look for a mixture using calcium or magnesium chloride instead.

Laws regarding snow and ice clearing vary by state and from locality to locality, but most mandate some action must be taken within a reasonable time period (often 24 hours) after it stops snowing. For example, the Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act states that any owner who "removes or attempts to remove snow or ice from sidewalks abutting the property shall not be liable for any personal injuries allegedly caused by the snowy or icy condition of the sidewalk resulting from his or her acts or omissions unless the alleged misconduct was willful or wanton."

The dangers from slips and falls should not be taken lightly, especially for the elderly. Each year thousands are rushed to emergency rooms as a result of icy falls with injuries that could have easily been prevented. One enterprising hospital, St. Vincent’s in Indianapolis, Indiana even decided to give away road salt to local residents to try and prevent such injuries and the resulting emergency room visits. In the end, the person who is most likely to slip and fall is the homeowner themselves.

(BPT) - It's out there - that next bout of severe weather is on its way. No matter where you live in the United States, the potential for severe weather always exists and sometimes it comes without much warning.

"None of us really knows what the weather holds," says LT. General Russel L. Honore, U.S. Army (Ret). "That's why it's important to be prepared for any eventuality. You have to be able to be your own first responder if the situation calls for it."

There are few who understand the power of severe weather and natural disasters better than Honore. The commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, Honore is now a nationally recognized emergency preparedness expert. Each day he dedicates himself to helping Americans prepare for serve weather or natural disasters in order to create a "Culture of Preparedness," and help people be self-sufficient in instances of disaster.

Why you should be prepared

When Hurricane Katrina struck, 2.6 million people lost power, many for nearly a month. Today's hurricanes, as well as winter ice storms and blizzards can also cause extended outages that can leave the unprepared equally trapped and powerless in their home.

Honore says it's essential all families develop an emergency plan. This plan should include a safe place in your home where you can find shelter and a safe location if you are away from home or you are forced to evacuate. Each family member should also have a cell phone so they can communicate with each other and every home should contain an emergency kit. The kit should include a weather radio, flashlight(s), batteries, first aid kit, money, medications, heavy clothes and five days of non-perishable food and water.

The importance of power

"The number one issue you face in an emergency situation is access to reliable power," Honore says. "When you lose power, it sets our society back at least 100 years."

In today's world, many of the things people need to survive are tied to power. A loss of power cuts off communication, makes it difficult to attain food and water, creates sanitation issues and hinders temperature controls such as heating and air conditioning.

"Because power is so important, I recommend homeowners invest in a dependable standby generator," Honore says.

Unlike portable generators, a standby generator automatically turns on when power is lost. A standby generator, which is permanently connected to your house like a central air conditioning unit, has the ability to power everything in your home including your heat and air conditioning systems, refrigerator, lights, computers, television and other technologies. Each of these modern-day necessities are indispensable during an emergency. And best of all, because the standby generator connects to your home's existing fuel lines, you'll never need to worry about refueling it to keep the power up and running.

"I've personally been through this process," Honore says. "I have a Kohler standby generator connected to my home and I recommend everyone make having an automatic backup power supply part of their emergency preparedness plan."

Next steps

To learn more about automatic standby generators, visit KohlerGenerators.com. You'll have the chance to watch informative videos explaining standby power and how it works. Start your research today so when the next big storm arrives, you'll be ready.

(BPT) - Moving into a new home is exciting - for the humans in the family. It can be less comfortable for pets who need time to adjust to a new environment, learn their way around and discover the best nap spots in their new home. As a loving pet parent, you want every member of your family to be as happy and comfortable as possible. Here are some tips to make your home more welcoming to your four-legged family members: 

Convenient dining 

Your furry friend will need his own space for meals - unless you don't mind him begging at the table when you eat! Make sure he has a bowl that is appropriate for his size and always clean it between meals.  

Vets recommend feeding pets only once or twice a day, so you'll want to stow away bowls when they're not in use. Many homes, including manufactured homes offered by Clayton, can be customized with a pet friendly feature - pet dish drawers that allow you to conceal feeding dishes when they're not needed, and slide the drawer open when it's meal time. It's a great way to keep your pet's dining area near yours but also out of the way. 

Hang-out space 

Dogs and cats spend a lot of their day napping and relaxing, so be sure to provide a variety of spaces for your pet to just hang out - with you or on his own. Clayton builds pet-friendly spots into many of their home models, including window seats and hideaway cubbies where pets can nap in peace.  

Sunrooms are also great for both pets and their humans to enjoy the feeling of al-fresco dining while remaining securely inside. Sun worshipping pets can also catch some rays while hanging out. 

Helpful grooming stations 

While many dogs enjoy a bath now and then, the process can be messy at home. Including a pet wash station with a hand-held hose in the mudroom ensures you'll be able to clean up your dirty pup before he drags dirt through the house. Make sure you outfit your wash station with an ample supply of soft, absorbent towels, dog shampoo and all the grooming tools you'll need to keep your pup looking great. 

Safe and happy outdoors 

Many pets enjoy a good romp outdoors, and you want your companion to be able to safely play in his outdoor environment. Start by adding a fence if you don't already have one. Choose one with vertical slats or rails close enough together that a pet can't slip through, and high enough that he or she can't jump over it. Next, be sure your pet has plenty of shady spots where he can hide, nap or just chill. Consider adding an outdoor pet fountain so pets always have access to fresh water, and a pet door to allow your dog or cat to easily come and go from your backyard. 

Cosmetic concerns 

Unless you have a rare hairless breed, you probably deal with pet hair daily. As you're decorating your new home, remember choosing carpeting close in color to your pet's coat will make shed hair less visible. You should also keep in mind the size of your dog as you're choosing hard flooring. Sturdy laminates will hold up better if you have large dogs in the house, while smaller dogs and cats may have trouble getting traction on vinyl or hardwood floors. 

"When you're buying a home, it's important that you consider every member of the family, and pets are a huge part of our families," says Clayton CEO Kevin Clayton. "Choosing to include Custom-Pet-Features creates a better functioning environment for the homeowners too."  

Visit www.claytonhomes.com to learn more about the pet features available or find a Home Center in your area. 

(BPT) - If you're in the market for a new house this year, don't be fooled by the brisk chill in the air - the fall house-hunting season is actually here. That means now is the perfect time to start your planning. Space requirements such as bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage are essential, but a house is more than just shelter, it's your home, and the great ones not only have everything you need, but everything you want.

"Each family lives in their home differently," says Beazer Homes Senior Creative Manager Michael Phillips. "Some buyers prefer a private dining room, while others want an open-concept kitchen with a more casual eating area. Where one buyer might prefer an owner's suite on the main level, others may want all their bedrooms on the upper level."

Although every home buyer's needs are unique, the market is often dictated by common trends. To better understand your own buying preferences and to see if you're aligned with others in the real estate marketplace, take a look at these five home-buying trends.

1. Function over aesthetics. When you think kitchen trends, you probably think of design features like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. While both these options remain popular and are common in new construction, surveys by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that buyers were extremely interested in functional attributes like new appliances, eat-in layouts, walk-in pantries and double sinks.

2. Living rooms are no longer a must. Given today's diverse home-buying population, the formal living room is becoming less prevalent. "Many buyers would rather use traditional living room square footage in a new way," said Phillips. "We're seeing families using the living room as a home office or choosing to forgo the space altogether in exchange for extra square footage in other areas of the home."

3. New is number one. According to the NAHB, more than half of surveyed buyers want to purchase a new home. It can be a challenge for buyers to find everything they desire in a resale home, and because renovations are often costly and time consuming, it's hard to deny the appeal of purchasing a brand-new home that is move-in ready.

4. Let there be (energy-efficient) light. Home buyers have coveted homes that make good use of natural light for years and that trend is continuing in 2016. In addition to large windows, NAHB research shows homeowners are putting an increased emphasis on the energy savings that accompany the installation of high-performance windows.

5. Make it your own. Personalizing a new home is easier and more affordable than ever before, thanks to offerings like Beazer's Choice Plans, which are flexible floorplans that allow you to personalize the most lived-in spaces in your home at no additional cost. Whether you want a kitchen for entertaining or a breakfast nook for family dining, an office space instead of an extra bedroom, you choose ... and Beazer won't charge you for selecting the best layout for your lifestyle. You can learn more about your options and how to create your own dream home at www.beazer.com/choice-plans.

Start your preparation today

It's never too early to start preparing for shopping for a new home. The more work you do ahead of time, the more time you can spend exploring the market. So start your research now and you'll be moved into the home of your dreams before you know it.

LOCAL REAL ESTATE PUBLICATION (print/digital): Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Magazine. One of the area's largest Real Estate Magazines, filled with local premium Agents & Brokers current listings, informative news articles, expert help from our Products & Service Directory local professionals, and money saving Coupons. Check us out! LifeandHomes Magazine . Would you like to get the LifeandHomes Magazine emailed over to you monthly FREE - Click here for more details. .

(BPT) - Homeowners are looking for value in every home improvement project they take on — whether they are upgrading for resale or their own pride of ownership. With new technologies and products on the market, it is easier than ever to add value to your home with projects that ultimately pay you back in numerous ways.

Luxurious looks that are affordable

Technology in home improvements has enabled homeowners to create a luxurious exterior that also saves money and recoups their investment. This includes contemporary trends of mixed materials, colors and textures, combining the look of rich, wood-stain shake or even stone in a variety of styles and patterns for foundation cladding or deck skirting. Polymers can actually be stained or finished to look like the real thing.  “We have come light years in achieving rich shake and stone looks for any home that won’t break the bank,” says Ralph Bruno, president of Novik Sales Corp. “There are solutions available that actually install as easy or easier than typical siding, with low-maintenance and high moisture resistance, so ground contact is no problem.” The payback: years of savings on maintenance and rich looks that increase home values.

Reducing labor, adding beauty to decks

The concept of the outdoor room tops many homeowners’ lists. One way to make any type of wood, composite or PVC deck project faster, easier and more beautiful, is to find a system that gives the impression of indoor flooring with a fastener-free look. This is also a safety issue, since raised fasteners can harm bare feet and get hot in the sun. There are several categories of concealed fasteners on the market, with some next-gen systems that save time and labor with more speed and stability. “Fastening deck boards on the edge with a series of proprietary fasteners, guides and drill bits represents the latest deck technology,” says Chip Manger, vice president at Camo Edge Fastening. “It saves up to 25 percent on installation time and up to 50 percent on costs compared to clips and is very simple to use.” The payback: big savings on deck installation costs, better aesthetics and years of longevity.

Guarding against weather and energy loss

Homeowners often have no idea how much damage can arise from moisture getting into the home or the inflated cost of utility bills through energy loss. A yearly audit of windows, doors and jambs, receptacles, roof/gutter lines and other vulnerable areas can protect your home from expensive future repairs. The simple act of sealing these areas with the right caulk can make a huge impact. “There are quality long-life sealants that adhere to a variety of surfaces with excellent adhesion and joint expansion to keep moisture out and prevent heating and cooling energy loss,” says Alan Crupper, vice president of marketing for Red Devil, Inc. “One example is Stormguard-920, a new 100 percent silicon sealant with a quick-forming permanent seal that can be exposed to the elements like rain after just 30 minutes.” The payback: weatherizing your home from the elements and energy loss.

Standing water threatens property and health

The possibility of water seeping into the home is usually enough to scare any homeowner into action, but these days the Zika virus and other insect-borne diseases are driving solutions for removing standing water. In anticipation, the Wall Street Journal reports insect repellent production is expected to triple this year.  Homeowners may think water transfer systems are cost prohibitive and difficult to operate, so they wait until it is too late. There are new affordable advancements that can remove water in tight spaces like window wells or wide open grassy areas where insects breed. “Look for water removal pumps with attachments on the top and side, so they fit anywhere,” says Jeremy Cantor, vice president of marketing for WAYNE Pumps. As an example he said, “We designed one such pump called the WWB WaterBUG to be versatile and portable enough to remove any standing water on the homeowner’s property quickly and efficiently.” The payback: protecting the home from seeping standing water and keeping homeowners safe.

Make the right choices on today’s advanced home improvement products and systems and you can have a huge payback on your investment and make a lasting impression.

LOCAL REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE (print/digital): Get connected to our FREE LifeandHomes Magazine. One of the area's largest Real Estate Magazine. Filled with local premium Agents & Brokers current listings, informative news articles, expert help from our Products & Service Directory local professionals, and money saving Coupons. Check us out! LifeandHomes Magazine . Would you like to get the CNY LifeandHomes Magazine emailed over to you monthly FREE - Click here for more details. .

(BPT) - Who says you have to give up time on the deck you love just because summer is over? Whether you're just relaxing or tackling home improvement projects, time outdoors is a great way to recharge at the end of a hectic day or tiring week. A few simple do-it-yourself updates can help you enjoy your deck this fall – and throughout the rest of the year.

1. Add decorative touches like post caps and privacy lattice.

Just having a deck adds value to your home, but you can easily make yours more appealing and enjoyable by adding some decorative touches. Post caps are an easy-to-install way to dress up an ordinary deck railing. Deck product manufacturers like Deckorators offer extensive post cap options, including wood designs, metal and decorative caps that incorporate stained glass, metal accents and even solar lighting.

Lattice is another way to add interest to your deck, while creating privacy at the same time. Durable plastic lattice from Deckorators allows you to visually shield areas of your deck, or block off the space beneath your deck to keep animals from slipping under it.

Not sure how the decorative element of your choice will look on your deck? Deckorators' website provides a deck visualizer to help you understand how your design choices might look on your deck. Visit www.deckorators.com to learn more.

2. Light the way to longer hours of enjoyment.

As summer winds down, days grow shorter. Adding lighting to your deck can help you enjoy fall evenings outdoors. Low-voltage LED lighting can help illuminate steps, accent your deck railing and create areas of interest – all while using less electricity to save you money. Deckorators offers an LV light system that easily clips onto deck railings, making installation quick and easy for most DIYers.

3. Plant the seeds of great seasons to come.

Landscaping adds value and relaxation to a deck area. Wooden planters are a great way to enhance a deck's visual appeal. Building a planter is an easy weekend project, and provides you the perfect location to plant some fall veggies as well. Add a removable lid to the planting box and you can turn it into additional seating when then growing season is over. When spring comes, remove the lid and you're ready to plant spring vegetables or flowers.

4. Warm up the decor.

Fall is a great time to score deals on outdoor decor. Deck furniture, outdoor area rugs and decorative items all go on sale as summer ends – even though in many areas of the country there will be plenty of warm days and evenings left in which to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Simply replacing worn furniture and adding an area rug can make your deck feel warmer and more inviting.

5. Heat up your outdoor space.

Of course, your outdoor environment will eventually get chilly as fall settles in. Why not add an outdoor heater to extend your deck time even longer? Home improvement and lawn and garden stores sell a variety of patio heaters in a range of designs to fit every space, taste and need. A single, well-placed heater can provide enough warmth to keep your entire deck comfortable on a chilly fall evening. Need an additional source of warmth to supplement your patio heater? Fire up the grill and fill the fall air with the aroma of grilled treats!

Don't let fall drive you indoors too soon. A few simple updates can allow you to enjoy your deck throughout the autumn months.

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(BPT) - For many first-time buyers, saving for a down payment is the most difficult step in the home-buying process. However, it's a common misconception that you need 20 percent down to buy a home.

Actually, lenders across the country offer mortgage products with very affordable down payments - some as low as 3 percent.

Owning a home has always been a key component of the American Dream; in fact, many surveys show that 65 percent of Millennials agree that homeownership and the American Dream go hand-in-hand. Home ownership also comes with several benefits like building equity, receiving annual tax deductions and becoming more engaged with the local community. It serves as a stepping stone for long-term wealth creation, too. Historically, first-time buyers have represented 40 percent of all home purchasers, but today they make up about 30 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors. Down payment misconceptions could be to blame.

"It's safe to say that most first-time buyers aren't aware that there are reasonable loan options available that require less money down," says Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX, LLC. "Choosing an option with a smaller down payment can make it possible for potential buyers to enjoy the benefits of homeownership sooner."

Most popular low down payment options

* FHA Loans - Traditionally the mortgage of choice for first-time buyers, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), offers government-insured loans with as little as 3.5 percent down. The most popular FHA loan option, the 203(b), is widely available from lenders across the country. You may qualify with a credit score of just 500, although there may be limitations on some condo purchases.

* Home Possible from Freddie Mac - This program allows you to put between 3 and 5 percent down, as long as you intend to use the purchased house as your primary residence, and don't currently own or share ownership of another house. You'll also need to complete a required homeownership education program online.

* Conventional 97 from Fannie Mae - Just 3 percent down is enough to help you qualify for a Conventional 97, as long as you're applying for a fixed-rate mortgage on a single-family home that's less than $417,000. You'll also need to participate in a homeownership education program, and at least one of the purchasers applying for the loan must be a first-time buyer.

* HomeReady from Fannie Mae - Another option that requires as little as 3 percent down, HomeReady can offer below-market interest rates. This program also allows non-occupant borrowers to apply; for example, parents can secure this type of loan for a young adult, who's just starting to establish credit.

In addition to these mortgage options, there are also a variety of down payment assistance programs that may be available through your state or lender. Today, many loan programs allow for down-payment funds to come from third party sources, like cash gifts from relatives.

Buying a home with a smaller down payment has distinct advantages too. You're less likely to become "house poor," which can happen when you spend the majority of your total savings on home ownership, leaving little cash in reserve for unforeseen emergencies or desirable home improvements.

Something to keep in mind when considering your loan options: putting less than 20 percent down can also result in the additional monthly cost of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). However, if your home value is appreciating, PMI can be eliminated in a few years through refinancing.

"Homeownership isn't reserved just for people who can afford a large down payment. Mortgages that offer an option for less cash down are making it possible for many to enjoy the American Dream," Lewis says. "Mortgages are like any other product, you have to shop around to find the one that works best for you. Lenders and real estate agents can give you a good idea of what your choices are."

To get a head start on your home search or find an experienced agent in your neighborhood, visit remax.com.

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(BPT) - The phrase, “they don’t build them like they used to,” has been applied to nearly everything from cars to footwear, but most often it seems people say it about houses. In fact, this sentiment has become so common, that many believe the homes today aren’t built to the standards they were 60 or 70 years ago.

People tend to believe this because there is an undeniable charm to older homes — yet, the ones they’re often thinking of were built for millionaires. It’s hardly fair to compare the mansions and manor homes owned by the 1 percent a century ago to today’s middle-class subdivisions. The truth is, there were plenty of poorly constructed houses built back then. We just don’t see them, because they’re no longer standing.  

Building materials, techniques and technologies have changed. Most often, these changes have translated into better, more affordable houses. Still skeptical? A quick look at a few examples will show that this urban myth is not too hard to dispel.

A variety of exterior choices

For a time, vinyl siding dominated neighborhoods. It was the choice for new construction and remodels alike. Sure it was maintenance free and far less of a headache than wood siding, and cheaper than stone or stucco, but few called it an inspired look.

A new generation of synthetic wood siding promises to add not only quality, but authenticity to home siding options. Available in a variety of styles and colors, Cedar Impressions Shakes mimic the texture and rustic beauty so many prize in cedar, without the maintenance issues that turn so many away from natural wood siding.

Another important advancement in materials is in roofing, where more homeowners are choosing synthetic slate shingles. Slate, which has decorated cathedrals and mansions around the world, is as beautiful as it is difficult to maintain and afford. Its synthetic counterpart, made from recycled rubber and plastic, creates the appearance of a stone roof, while being stronger, more flexible and easier to install. It also lasts much longer than asphalt shingles — up to 50 years.

Interior walls

Along with engineering advancements that have improved the structural integrity and resilience of new homes, interior walls have greatly improved as well. While many people have a nostalgia for plaster walls, the new drywall technology used in Habito by CertainTeed Gypsum brings the strength and durability of plaster into a modern drywall.

Incredibly strong, Habito drywall is not only able to stand up to extreme abuse, but it’s also able hold an incredible amount of weight, up to 30 pounds on a single wood screw. This new drywall eliminates the need to find a stud or install a wall anchor, and makes decorating and redecorating incredibly easy. It’s particularly handy for today’s modern lifestyle where televisions, speakers, pictures and shelves are mounted on the wall.

Of course, these more refined and stronger building technologies are only part of the story of why homes are now built better than ever. If you want to learn more and get inspired for your next construction or remodeling project, visit HanginWithHabito.com for more information on their revolutionary drywall product.

And the next time someone says “they just don’t build them like they used to,” you’ll say that’s a good thing.

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(BPT) - Beyond the flowers blooming, the sound of birds singing and the burst of warm weather, something happens in May. After a long winter, the rising temperatures make spring a prime time to move. College students are moving out of dorms, young families are transitioning to new homes after the school year and retirees are looking for an easier, more maintenance-free living situation. If you are among those about to start the next chapter in your life with a new home, here are some valuable tips that go beyond choosing the right size box or the appropriate padding.

Take inventory and mark your boxes. Most people think it's inevitable that things get lost or misplaced when moving, but it doesn't have to be that way. By taking the time to properly mark boxes and write out a detailed inventory of their contents, you'll know where everything is and avoid misplacing anything. With a little forethought and effort, you'll save a lot of time. All it takes to get organized is a clipboard, some paper and a permanent marker. Or, for the more technologically inclined, you can make use of your tablet or smartphone.

Remember to take care of yourself. Whether you're moving apartments or starting a new job, any life transition - no matter how exciting - can be stressful. During these times, it's important to decompress and unwind. One of the best ways to do that is to go out for a bike ride. Even if it's just for 15 minutes, the fresh air and exercise does wonders for your stress level. If you stop for a smoothie or cup of coffee, don't forget to use a Master Lock 8300D Bike Lock to secure your ride.

Stay up to date. Technology isn't only changing the way people communicate or listen to music, it's also changing the way people secure their items inside and around their homes. With Master Lock's Bluetooth Padlocks, you don't have to worry about losing a key or forgetting a combination. The award-winning product turns your phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device into a key. With models suitable for indoor and outdoor use, valuables you need to store while moving - and afterwards - will have superior protection.

Consider insurance. If you're hiring a moving company or have valuable items you're worried might be damaged during the move, you should consider purchasing moving insurance. Many recommend insuring anything that goes into a truck. Not only will insurance provide financial relief in case anything is mishandled, but it will give you peace of mind that can reduce the stress of moving.

Protect your valuable documents. Even after you move and are settling into your new residence, it's important to keep your valuables protected. For documents like a passport, birth certificate, social security card and more, the Sentry Safe H0100 Small Privacy Lock Chest will provide you with the security you need during and after the move into your new home.

No matter what season or what stage of life you're at, you should always have a reliable way to protect your most prized possessions. With an extensive line of security solutions, Master Lock can provide you with the peace of mind you need while moving and beyond.

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(BPT) - The garage – it’s that space where you used to just store your car, lawn mower, power tools, bikes, bats and boxes of things you wore in the 90s. But to say a garage is only for storage is like saying a truck is only for hauling dressers and box springs.

From game room to workshop, man cave to hangout — your garage has the potential to be anything you want it to be. So if you’re thinking of redecorating or remodeling your house, don’t spend all your time picking out kitchen tile and arguing over what type of counter looks best — step into your garage and let yourself dream big.

With the right materials, some creativity and a little work, you can turn your garage into the star of the house. How? TV personality and award-winning interior designer Anitra Mecadon offers the following five ideas to get you excited about all the possibilities.

Toughen up your walls

No matter what you want to do with your garage, first make sure your walls can stand up to real life. There’s probably no space in the house more susceptible to scratches, scuffs and accidental holes than the garage — so pick your walls accordingly. Look for PURPLE Hi-Impact XP made by National Gypsum for extra wear and tear to resist everything from car doors opened too close to the wall to the hockey sticks swung a little too hard. This drywall is embedded with fiberglass mesh to make it impact and penetration resistant — and like all PURPLE drywall, it resists moisture, mold and mildew.

Make your garage your hideaway

Sometimes you need to get away from it all — especially from your “honey do” or project list — and the garage can be where you go, your hangout, an extension of yourself and a definite point of pride. Add a snack machine, fridge, swivel chair or two and big screen TV, and you and your friends will have it made.  

Lift it up

Most people have a lot of stuff to store in the garage in addition to cars, tools and bikes. And let’s face it, the more available space you have, the more likely you’ll find stuff to fill it. That means you’ll need to get creative with storage. In addition to shelves and cabinets attached to the walls, another way to store your stuff is to use a raised lift system which retracts up into the top levels of your garage and comes down with a push of a button when you need something.

Hang it up

There are some things that just don’t belong in your house but are perfect for the garage. Just like restaurants that have walls crowded with collectibles such as old soda signs, sea anchors and license plates — garages can follow this same design concept and personalize a space even more. Walls also can serve as anchors for storage systems that hold your tools, bikes, boxes and equipment. And you can rest assured that high-performing drywall, like PURPLE Hi-Impact XP, will stand up to the wear and tear of hanging up and taking down your tools, rakes, bikes and more, day after day. 

Do more with your floor

Today, garage floors can be anything you want — yellow, red, metallic, acid-washed or made out of heavy-duty vinyl or rubber. And whether you want the grey concrete vintage look of your childhood or something that reflects your more grown-up self, when it comes to garage floors, take a chance and get inventive, because your garage can be your personal and customized sanctuary.

There’s a lot you can do with a modern garage, and no matter how you decide to personalize it, the best garage remodel starts at the studs. The right drywall is as important as the right wrench in the toolbox. To learn more, visit www.askforpurple.com

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(BPT) - Purchasing a new home is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. Whether you're moving to a new town or looking to upgrade from your current space, finding a new home requires patience, expert guidance and a keen eye for detail.

As a home seeker, the first thing you'll evaluate is location, space and amenities such as fireplaces, granite countertops, a finished basement, deck or a swimming pool. The next thing to consider is cost, shopping for the right mortgage, making your down payment and negotiating other fees. Finally, you look at the various features inside and outside the home that make it safe, convenient and energy-efficient for you and your family.

To ease some of the stress of house hunting, here are a few top considerations to keep in mind throughout the process:

Always start with an impartial home inspection. Home inspections can help potential buyers uncover the structural issues of a home, while also examining if electrical wiring and devices are up to code, plumbing lines are performing correctly and HVAC systems are running efficiently. In order to locate and properly evaluate any concerns, it is crucial that you research the best impartial home inspector in the area, be present during the inspection itself and thoroughly read the inspection report on the property. Sometimes issues identified are quick fixes which you can address yourself, such as replacing older electrical switches and outlets. You can evaluate if you're able to make these quick updates safely yourself by viewing sample installations at www.youtube.com/leviton. However, other conditions may require more labor-intensive repairs and outside contracting, which should be included in your budget or negotiated with the seller before purchasing your new place.

Determine any value-add features you want that are already in the home. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a home buyer's expected tenure in a newly purchased home is approximately 14 years on average. While it's not uncommon to change things the longer you live there, it's equally important to note the features that certain properties already have during your initial home search to avoid costly replacements and construction projects down the line. As you're searching, keep the long-term in mind and consider what you may want in the future. Be sure to ask a lot of questions during each walk-through. For example, are there enough bathrooms to meet your family's needs? Will your family grow? Does the kitchen have a gas line for appliances? Is there a properly-installed and updated heating and cooling system? Does the master bedroom have a walk-in closet? What amenities will make you and your family feel safe, happy and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door and for years to come?

What measures have been taken to make the home safe? It's important to consider a home's safety features, especially if you're moving into a new residence with children or pets. So, what classifies as a safety amenity? Depending on the home and location, safety features should include alarm systems, working door and window locks, working carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets. Especially when it comes to electrical outlets in areas like the living room and bedroom, products like Leviton's SmartlockPro AFCI Outlet should be installed. These AFCI outlets prevent electrical fires in the home and are tamper-resistant, providing added safety for all members of the family.

To see what other electrical safety and home products you should look for or look to install in your potential home, check out www.Leviton.com/HomeSafety.

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(BPT) - Looking for some easy ways to breathe new life into your home? Whether it's the air inside or the decor itself, freshening things up can make your home look and feel more welcoming at any time of year. You don't need a lot of time or money to reinvigorate your home; just a few simple and affordable, yet high-impact DIY projects will do the trick.

Here are a few projects you can easily accomplish in a single weekend:

* Paint an accent wall, trim or ceiling. Decorators often say painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to freshen your home's appearance. You don't have to redo an entire room in order to leverage the freshening power of paint. Simply painting a single accent wall for a pop of color, using paint to create graphic wall art, or repainting the trim or ceiling will create a whole new look. If you're looking for inspiration or simple solutions to help seamlessly transform your space, Dutch Boy Paint offers unique project ideas and easy-to-follow how-tos that will make the process a breeze.

Choosing the right paint for the job can also ensure the painting project is a breeze, from start to finish. Dutch Boy Refresh paint + primer with Arm & Hammer odor Eliminating Technology, eliminates the need for a separate primer. It saves time since you don't have to take that extra step of priming first. Plus, it's great for reducing common household odors. Refresh paint is a perfect choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms and even kids rooms. It gives you added assurance that your home will smell fresh and clean.

* Don't forget about your furry family members. You may love your pets, but the truth is they can contribute to a stuffy atmosphere in your home. Wash pet bedding, litter boxes and cloth toys regularly. Contain pet clutter by placing your pup's or kitty's toys in a pretty basket where he or she can reach them.

* Add some indoor greens. Plants not only make a room look bright and homey, their ability to filter carbon dioxide and other airborne pollutants can help make your home smell fresher, too.

* Give your kitchen some TLC. Like most, you probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. However, you don't need to do a complete makeover to give your kitchen a fresh look. Start by decluttering countertops and dropping some lemon rinds down the garbage disposal. Next, replace dated cabinet hardware with new handles, knobs and pulls. Adding in a faucet in a contemporary finish will go a long way too; as a focal point of the kitchen, it will help tie everything together in a subtle way.

* Upgrade your entryway. The front door is one of the first things visitors notice. If yours is old, worn and outdated, replacing it with a new one can be an easy, cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your home's exterior. Even if your door is in good shape, painting it a bright, appealing color can make your home's facade look fresher and more inviting. Be sure to use a paint formulated for doors, such as Dutch Boy Cabinet, Door & Trim paint. Add decorative lighting fixtures like sconces or a hanging light, dress up front steps with potted flowers and wash sidelights and windows around the entry.

* Some sources of stuffiness may surprise you. That old shower curtain not only makes your bathroom look shabby, it can detract from the air quality in the room as mildew builds up over time. Replace old shower curtains with something bright and appealing, and be sure to clean the grate on the bathroom vent fan. Stuffiness hides in the laundry room, too. Cleaning dryer vents and the washing machine regularly, and keeping laundry items and accessories organized can help make even a small laundry area feel fresh.

Freshening around the home doesn't have to be a seasonal project. With a few simple steps, you can create a new look and feel in and around your home at any time of year. For more on these products and inspiration for your next paint project, visit www.dutchboy.com

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(BPT) - When asked what kind of upgrades homeowners would like to make in their home, most have a similar wish list that includes features like marble or granite counter tops, an open concept kitchen, a remodeled bathroom and a deck.

There are plenty of good reasons why people opt for these features. They're beautiful, create a certain atmosphere, and who doesn’t want to come home to a stylish kitchen and relax on their deck? But experienced homeowners will tell you, it’s not just these big showy upgrades that are important. Often, it’s the unseen upgrades you might not be immediately aware of that really make a difference and impact the quality of life in your home. It’s especially important to remind first-time homeowners of these five considerations to keep in mind when building or renovating.

Privacy is key. With televisions, computers, music and lively conversation, even a small family can make a lot of noise. Bring quiet to the home with the right kind of drywall. SilentFX QuickCut by CertainTeed Gypsum is a revolutionary type of drywall specifically designed to dampen noise and prevent sound from carrying from room to room.  

Upgrade the roof. It might cost more, but investing in a high quality roof has two main advantages. One being, it will last longer, so you won’t have to face the expense of re-roofing in another 15 or 20 years. The second is that if you go to sell, having a high quality roof that will last years — even decades — will equate to a better resale value.

Improve indoor air quality. Adding plants and opening windows are two of the easiest ways to improve the indoor air quality of your home. However, there are things you can do in the building process as well. One of these is to install a drywall, such as AirRenew, which is a specialty drywall product designed to actively clean formaldehyde and other volatile chemicals from the air.

Invest in a new furnace. If you find yourself taking too many days off work to meet the furnace repairman, it might be time to have a new furnace installed. Not only do the modern, energy efficient furnaces save as much as $200 a year, but they’re quieter, require less maintenance and, should you go to sell, are a huge perk to potential home buyers.

Fill the cavities between the walls. No matter what climate zone you live in, insulation is incredibly important. There are many types of insulation out there, so be sure to talk to your contractor or builder about what kind is best for the area where you live. The right kind and thickness will save you money on both heating and cooling bills.

These upgrades may not wow your guests or be the envy of your neighbors, but they will certainly make an enormous difference in your day-to-day living and contribute to the overall comfort of your house. For more information about what innovative drywall solutions are available today, visit certainteed.com/drywall/residential

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(BPT) - Even in the most safety-minded homes, the most serious hazards for children can be hiding in plain sight. Know which unexpected items can be risky, and what to do to prevent an accident.

Many parents feel they know the top child proofing items to check off to keep kids safe — cover electrical outlets, lock kitchen cabinets and secure baby gates on stairs. However, there are other potential serious child safety hazards in and outside the home that sometimes can be overlooked, including windows coverings.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and young children accidentally becoming entangled in window covering cords. CPSC, the window covering industry and consumer safety advocates all agree that only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords should be used in homes with young children.

The Best for Kids certification program launched last year by the window covering industry makes it easy for parents and caregivers to easily identify which window covering products are best suited for homes with young children. 

The Window Covering Safety Council urges parents and caregivers to follow these six simple tips to help protect children from potentially hidden hazards around the home.

1. Install only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies with products that are cordless or have inaccessible cords, such as those marked with the Best for Kids label certification which enables you to easily identify products best suited for young children.

2. Know your plants and which are dangerous if ingested. Make sure to keep these common plants off limits to kids: Rhododendron, Lily of the Valley, Hydrangea, Poinsettia, Purple Nightshade, Mountain Laurel, Mistletoe and Water Hemlock. If you suspect your child has ingested any type of garden plant/flower, seek medical attention right away.

3. Keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach of children. According to WebMD, even on a day when it’s only 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by 30 to 40 degrees in an hour, and 70 percent of this increase occurs the first 30 minutes. Teach children that vehicles aren't safe places to play.

Prevent falling accidents from windows. As the summer heat begins to cool, it’s time to let fresh that air in the house. To prevent potential falling accidents, open windows from the top instead of from the bottom. Window guards and stoppers are strongly suggested for homes with children under the age of 11. Be sure all are firmly secured and installed properly

Anchor it! Furniture and TV tip-overs are also one of the top hidden hazards in the home, according to the CPSC, which has launched a new safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries from tipping furniture and TVs.

Check before you play. Playgrounds with slides, swings, and other play items of any material that sit in sunlight can cause burns for children — even when it’s not that hot outside. Always check the equipment first and don’t let children run around barefoot. If your child does experience a burn, seek medical help immediately.

For more information on window cord safety and the Best for Kids program, visit windowcoverings.org or follow WCSC on Facebook and Twitter.

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(BPT) - It takes just seven seconds to form a first impression after meeting someone new. The same psychology applies to the first impression people get when shopping for a new home. Within seconds of arrival, home buyers are forming positive and negative opinions about the property.

This is invaluable to home sellers. If you want to sell your home fast and for a premium price, you can't afford botching the first impression. Fortunately, revamping the facade doesn't have to cost a small fortune. In just one weekend you can boost your curb appeal with a few simple updates.

Enhance the garage door

A garage door accounts for up to 40 percent of a house's facade. Often ignored, a bland or ugly garage door is a turnoff to home buyers. However, there's no need to buy a costly new one. Instead, upgrade your current door with simulated window overlays and decorative handles and hinges from Coach House Accents for upscale appeal at a fraction of the cost.

Start by adding a fresh coat of paint to the garage door. Then to get a custom carriage house appearance, add the window panels made from lightweight, durable automotive-grade plastic resin. Finish with hinges and handles that mimic high-end forged metal. Coach House Accents can be purchased online at www.coachhouseaccents.com, www.amazon.com and at select Lowe's stores nationwide.

Update the entryway

The entryway is the focal point of the front of the home. Start by clearing clutter and cleaning stairways. A new coat of paint on the stairs and door is essential. You might also consider investing in a new door handle and other hardware to modernize the space.

In addition to keeping the area clean, add attractive elements to the entryway. A potted plant or two offers a welcoming touch that reflects seasonal style. Toss worn welcome mats for fresh, new options. If you have space, a comfortable chair paints an inviting picture for potential home buyers.

Liven up the landscape

Sprucing up the yard goes beyond pulling weeds. Start by trimming hedges and trees to create a tidy appearance. If you don't have much greenery, adding flowers and other plants can have a dramatic visual impact. Finally, a new layer of mulch will help your landscape features pop and makes any property look instantly fresh again.

In addition to clearing brush and updating plants, enhance outdoor spaces with thoughtful use of landscape lighting. Pathway lights on walkways, accent lights in planters, and garden lights around the porch make a space more stylish and useful. Plus, when home buyers view the property in the evening, beautiful lighting will impress them the moment they pull in the driveway.

Impressive curb appeal doesn't have to cost a small fortune. From garage door enhancements to landscape lighting, these quick fixes can capture the attention of buyers and hopefully even start a bidding war.

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(BPT) - Many Americans feel working from home would be a dream job, and more than one-third are already living that dream; 37 percent of U.S. workers telecommute, according to Gallup. However, unless you’re a full-time telecommuter or an entrepreneur running a business from your home, it may be hard to justify dedicating an entire room in your house for home office space.

Today’s home offices must be able to multi-task as efficiently and effectively as the people who work in them — and that’s something you should keep in mind when making renovation plans.

“We see fewer and fewer buyers requiring a dedicated home office when setting their search criteria for buying a new home,” writes Gwen Daubenmeyer, a real estate professional who recently blogged about home offices on the Integrity Real Estate Team blog. Daubenmeyer notes that laptops, cloud storage and online filing services have made it possible to work from virtually any room in the house, so it’s no longer necessary to have a room dedicated solely as office space.

Instead of turning that spare bedroom into a space strictly used for work, why not consider improvements that will help the room multi-task?  With a few smart upgrades, spaces such as attics, basements, spare bedrooms and other smaller areas can serve as multi-functional spaces for work, play, working out and socializing.

Tips for multi-tasking offices

* Good lighting is essential for any home office, but if you want to avoid the institutional look of traditional office lights, consider increasing the amount of natural light that enters your multi-purpose office space. Adding Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, is a cost-effective way to bring natural light, as well as passive ventilation, into any home office space. Solar-powered blinds in designer colors and patterns enhance the blended decor of a multi-use room, while allowing you to control the amount of light entering the room with a programmable touchpad remote control. Plus, a 30 percent federal tax credit is available to homeowners on solar-powered skylights, blinds and installation costs. Roof windows, which are very similar to skylights but are in-reach and operated by hand, are another popular option, especially in attics. For home offices without direct roof access, a Sun Tunnel tubular skylight with an optional light kit can provide light 24/7. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

* Divide the room visually to define functional areas. You can do this in several ways, including using a folding screen to partition off the room’s work area, or hanging curtains to conceal lesser-used sections of the room when they’re not in use. You can also use the room’s layout to create a natural flow. For example, tuck a desk and shelving into an attic dormer area as office space.

* Many home offices need to double as a guest bedroom. If working beside an inviting bed all day makes it difficult to resist the temptation of a nap, consider alternative bed styles. A daybed can be dressed up with pillows to serve as a sofa where you can comfortably read reports. Or, completely hide the sleeping area by adding a Murphy bed to available wall space.

* Make it easy to rearrange furnishings in the room by putting your desk on coasters just like your office chair. Whenever you need the room to function as a workout space, home theater or social center, just roll the office furniture out of the way.

* If you’re turning a bedroom into a multi-purpose office, no one should need the closet for hanging clothes. Instead, convert the closet into a cozy spot for a workspace. You can place a small desk inside, or hang wide shelving that can function as a workspace for your laptop, printer and files. When you’re not working, simply close the closet doors!

* Whenever a room has to serve more than one purpose, organization is critical. If you don’t have the space for filing cabinets, or simply don’t like the way they look, bookcases and shelving can be a great alternative. Don’t overlook the possibilities presented by extra wall space; you can layer shelves to maximize storage space above your desk/work area.

Daubenmeyer says that following the housing bubble, homeowners are smarter and want more functional space. The multi-function home office is one solution that is gaining popularity.

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(BPT) - As home improvement projects take center stage, the search is on for products that will enhance, rather than jeopardize the health and well-being of our families and loved ones. Products made from American hardwoods have been the natural choice for healthy home and work environments for generations. Today is no different.

With so many options available in the current marketplace, Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.HardwoodInfo.com, suggests a little more research, in order to separate product fact from fiction. "Health-conscious and environmentally responsible consumers are challenged to recognize products and materials that are both aesthetically appealing and safe," she says. "I encourage taking a closer look at U.S. products - especially flooring and cabinetry, furniture and moulding - made from American hardwoods. They're uniquely beautiful, safe and a friend to the environment. And they have the credentials to prove it!"

Treasured for generations, and forever fresh

Enhancing our surroundings with products made from American hardwoods is a wise choice and a sound investment. In the kitchen or the bath, over the fireplace or on the floor, the sheer beauty, durability and timeless appeal of the products make a lasting statement everywhere. So paint it; stain it; repair it; refinish it; walk on it; restore it; love it; refresh it! The possibilities are endless.

Made in the U.S.A.

There is much to consider before making a purchase in today's marketplace. What's the product's origin? Is it made of natural materials or is it a synthetic product steeped with chemicals and potential carcinogens? What health and/or environmental implications will its manufacturing process have?

In the U.S., quality standards and manufacturing practices are regulated and monitored by U.S. agencies and associations. Consumers can confidently choose products made from all natural American hardwoods knowing that the hardwood has been responsibly harvested and that manufacturing quality control standards have been met.

A friend to the environment

Flash back to seventh grade biology for a memory refresher about photosynthesis and long-term carbon sequestration.

* Growing trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, separate the carbon and oxygen atoms, then return the oxygen to the air.

* They use just the right amount of carbon to grow trunk, branches and leaves, and store or sequester the unused carbon for the life of the tree or the products made thereof.

That means using all natural American hardwoods for products like flooring and cabinetry, furniture and moulding contributes to the long-term sequestration of carbon.

Sustainability

For centuries, products made from American hardwoods have been providing lasting beauty, warmth and functional value to our homes and countless structures everywhere. Future generations can expect the same. The U.S. Forest Service reports that the volume of hardwoods in American forests today is 131 percent greater than it was in 1953 because more than twice as much hardwood grows each year as is harvested. That's sustainability in a nutshell. We are not running out of trees - hardwoods are an abundant, renewing and sustainable resource.

Step into the world of American Hardwoods, www.HardwoodInfo.com, and take a closer look at the myriad of products made from this natural and healthy, uniquely beautiful, responsibly harvested and more-abundant-than-ever resource!

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(BPT) - Once spring cleanup is done, you may feel ready to tackle some renovation projects this summer. If so, you're not alone: 62 percent of homeowners plan to undertake a home improvement project this year, according to a Harris poll. Homeowners will renovate to improve their home's appearance, livability and energy efficiency, the survey found.

It's possible to make renovations that are stylish and also reduce your energy bill. With temperatures heating up this summer, take on renovations that not only make your home more beautiful, but make it cool and comfortable as well.

Here are a handful of projects that can accomplish those goals:

Replacement windows

You're probably aware quality new windows can help your home retain heat in the winter, but did you know they can also keep your home cooler in the summer? By tightening your home's envelope and reflecting heat, energy-efficient windows can help maintain more even temperatures inside your home. What's more, because they're energy-efficient, new windows can help your heating-ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems operate more efficiently.

Air conditioning

If you live in an older home, you may not have the space you need to install a traditional central HVAC unit with ductwork. Adding ductwork can be costly and troublesome, yet you probably don't love the look of window air conditioners, either. Duct-free split systems like LG's Art Cool Line provide plenty of cooling power from wall-mounted units that can be subtle or splashy, depending on your design vision. An outdoor unit works in tandem with up to eight interior units for individual room-by-room temperature control. LG offers three interior Art Cool unit styles, including a customizable picture frame, a flat panel with a modern charcoal mirror finish and a traditional unit in sleek white. All feature a hand-held remote control operation, varying fan speeds, quiet operation and auto operation modes for the utmost in comfort this summer.

Window treatments

Limiting the amount of sunlight that enters and warms a room is an important way to supplement your home's cooling units. Summer décor cries out for light, airy window treatments, but you don't have to give up that bright look to better control sunlight. Window blinds or shades in a slightly darker hue can work well with a lighter looking window treatment while still allowing you to limit sun exposure when you draw them shut. What's more, cellular shades also have an insulating effect to enhance your windows' ability to reflect heat in the summer.

Cooler lighting and appliances

Electrical appliances and incandescent light bulbs all contribute to the amount of ambient heat in your home. As you're renovating, replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient options that give off far less heat, such as LEDs or CFLs. Most light fixtures are now able to use these cooler bulbs, so replacing them is easy - and can also help reduce your electricity bill since they use about 80 percent less energy than incandescents, according to the Energy Star program. You can also reduce heat output from appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and dryers by upgrading to more energy-efficient models.

Outdoor improvements

You can also make outdoor renovation choices that will enhance your home's beauty and help keep the interior cooler. Strategically plant shade trees to shield windows from the hot sun in summer time. Or, consider adding awnings that will shade windows and doors. For patios and decks, choose materials that reflect heat away from your home and outdoor spaces. Finally, paint siding in a lighter color to help minimize heat absorption.

Summer home renovation projects can be exciting, beautiful and energy efficient when you keep a cool head about your design choices.

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(BPT) - "All gave some. Some gave all." You likely hear that phrase around Memorial Day every year, but do you know its origin? Or what Memorial Day is supposed to mean to the veterans who gave some, the survivors of those who gave all, and the Americans who enjoy continued freedom because of those sacrifices?

Americans, it seems, do understand the importance of Memorial Day. A 2015 poll by Rasmussen Reports found 52 percent of those polled viewed Memorial Day as one of the nation's most important holidays, while 42 percent saw it as at least somewhat important.

When Americans first began observing the day in the late 1860s, they were pausing to remember the more than half a million Americans who had died in the then-recently ended Civil War. Today, Memorial Day observances not only remember the sacrifice of the deceased who gave all, but also the thousands of living veterans, many of whom are wounded in body, mind or both.

"Amid the celebrations marking the unofficial start of the summer season, it can be difficult to find meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day," says Jeff Roy, chairman of the board of the Purple Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides counseling, support and advocacy for Purple Heart recipients, and raises funds for programs that support veterans and their families. "But Americans truly do want to express their gratitude to veterans for their many sacrifices. Fortunately, there are many ways they can help make a difference for veterans."

Here are some meaningful ways you can show your support for veterans this Memorial Day:

* Help provide a service dog to a veteran with physical disabilities or PTSD. The National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) provides service dogs for free to qualifying veterans. You can help by making an online donation, sponsor a "doggie dorm" for service dogs in training, raise a puppy who will become a service dog, or become a volunteer. Visit the organization's website at www.neads.org to learn more.

* Donate to the Purple Heart Foundation's scholarship program, which provides financial support to Purple Heart recipients and their families for college-related expenses like tuition, books, and room and board.

* Instead of spending the day indulging in your own cookout, contact the local veterans' home or veterans' hospital and volunteer there for the day. Or, you can simply take an hour or two to visit with the residents there and thank them for their service.

* Visit the local cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of veterans. Contact the cemetery first for their visiting guidelines and to learn where the veterans section is located - many cemeteries have special sections set aside for veterans.

* Help ensure veterans make the most of the services available to them. Donate to the Purple Heart Foundation's National Service Officers Program, which helps pay to place service officers in Veterans Administration facilities across the country. These officers are specially trained to help veterans access the many benefits, programs and services available to them.

* If your community sponsors a Memorial Day parade, attending is a great way to show your appreciation and support for veterans - but you can do even more. Prior to the event, contact the parade organizers and find out what veterans groups will be marching in the parade. Offer to donate water, snacks or anything else the veterans may need to make their walk easier and more enjoyable.

* Pick up the phone and call the veterans in your life - almost everyone knows at least one person who has served in the military. Perhaps your grandfather served in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam. You may know someone who has recently returned from serving in the Global War on Terror. Take some time to let those people know you're thinking of them, and appreciate their service.

* Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. Established by Congress, the one-minute observance is an chance for all Americans to pause in the middle of their summer celebrations to remember the sacrifices of the nation's veterans.

From simple and small to noble and industrious, it's possible to find many meaningful ways to honor all who gave some and the some who gave all. And as for that now-famous phrase - it was first uttered by Howard William Osterkamp of Dent, Ohio, a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart.

(BPT) - As the weather gets warmer and school comes to a close, the real estate market also heats up. If you're planning on buying a home, you'll likely find more properties on the market during the summer months. However, increased competition could present challenges on the path to landing the home of your dreams.

To get an edge against other bidders and find a house that you'll love for many years to come, Sharon Steele, an award winning sales professional affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, lends her expertise for home buying in a hot market.

Get pre-approved financing

In a competitive real estate market, prepare yourself with pre-approved financing. Not only will your mortgage broker tell you what you can afford, if you are pre-approved, you will have better negotiating power when purchasing a property.

Furthermore, when you know exactly what you can afford, you are more apt to stick within your budget and not be carried away during bidding wars. Remember, it's important to understand the total monthly costs of home ownership. Beyond the mortgage premiums, factor in utilities, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Being "house poor" is never a good idea.

Look for potential

If you're looking at purchasing a home that needs a little elbow grease, make sure you invest in a design that is going to withstand the test of time and be appealing for years to come. This rings true most of all when choosing the right appliances; stainless steel has been highly desirable for decades and continues to be a mainstay in a timeless kitchen design. For a modern twist on stainless, LG's Black Stainless Steel Series, which features a warm and sophisticated finish found in new refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers and microwaves, is sure to look just as stunning many years from now as it does today. The new finish seamlessly complements a range of infinite design styles and colors, elevating the look of any kitchen.

As long as the house has a good structure, the space you need, and meets your immediate must haves, you can add special elements over time to make it your dream home. When you do have the time and budget for a full remodel, you can envision how LG's black stainless steel appliances may look in various kitchen styles with the Virtual Kitchen Design Tool, helping you visualize your dream kitchen for a strategic remodel with more than 1 million possible layouts.

Consider long-term needs

Are you planning to grow your family in the near future? Then you may want to shop for a larger house in need of some work rather than that completely updated two-bed bungalow; it may not meet your needs in the next five years.

Are you looking to downsize? It might make sense to consider a ranch home before your knees start to hurt and you dread climbing stairs. Purchasing a home will be one of your largest investments; make sure your decision matches your future lifestyle expectations rather than just the needs of the present moment.

Do research in advance

Do you need easy access to the commuter rail and bus lines? Where will your children attend school? Is the area safe? Use websites like Realtor.com and ColdwellBankerHomes.com to hone in on neighborhoods that best suit you and your family.

These websites have area maps and direct links to information about school systems, crime rates, area amenities, and lists of local restaurants and shopping areas. View side-by-side community comparisons for easy evaluation. Put in your search parameters and sign-up to receive property alerts on new homes that enter the market or when prices change in your desired neighborhood.

A competitive market can make the home buying process more stressful, but these expert tips will keep you focused as you prepare to move into your new home.

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(BPT) - Smart investors know a diversified portfolio is the best way to weather any storm. Considering the volatility of the current stock market, the desire for better options has never been greater. Rather than gamble on the next buzzworthy stock or bond and hope it lives up to expectations, there's an alternative that's gaining traction: land ownership.

While stocks and funds depend highly on market swings, forestland requires only sun and rain to provide asset growth. However, the key to maximizing financial and recreational returns depends on proper management-and that requires more than just Mother Nature.

Knowing how to manage a large piece of land can be overwhelming to a new investor or a person who may have inherited land from family. It's important to consider the investment potential. Some common questions include:
* Should you harvest any timber? From what areas?
* When should you plant trees?
* How should you manage the vegetation and handle invasive species?
* How can you protect the wildlife?

Just as hiring a financial advisor is smart to manage an investment portfolio, hiring an expert to assist in answering questions and managing a land investment is also highly advisable. Independent consulting foresters are experts that offer scientific applications as well as business acumen to landowners. Foresters offer broad-based knowledge about the characteristics of forest land, relevant economics of private timberland management and sensitivity to the full scope of issues important to private forest landowners. In addition, an independent professional land management team comprised of not only consulting foresters, but also wildlife biologists is important. This expanded capacity of the consulting professional is essential for successful private forest management.

So how does the land management process work? According to one leading consulting forester firm that utilizes both forestry and biology expertise, Bird & Crawford Forestry, there are three basic steps to proper forestland management. Following these steps will help ensure the landowner is maximizing his or her investment long-term.

1. The first step is to gain knowledge of the existing and/or potential natural resources on the property. This includes knowing what resources are on the land, how they are located in relation to land features and what resources are worth preserving. Bird & Crawford Forestry is one group that utilizes wildlife biologists along with professional foresters to survey the land in person to map the property and determine resource assets from a financial as well as a recreational standpoint.

2. Once what actually exists on a property is determined, the next step is to establish goals for the property. Because every landowner/investor is unique, goals can vary greatly. For instance, if the land is inherited, the goal may be focused upon protecting family assets to confidently keep a family legacy intact for generations to come. Upon identifying goals, an overall management strategy can be developed.

3. Finally, professional foresters will develop the plan of forest and wildlife management activities required to achieve the owner's goals. This might include a planting and harvesting schedule, wildlife management and conservation efforts, and even hunting lease management.

Beyond the bottom line of profit potential, land ownership gives investors something that is tangible, a good alternative to traditional investments and another option to round out your portfolio. Owning land is also a wonderful way to conserve and enjoy nature while leaving a lasting legacy to family and future generations. Working with experts familiar with a breadth of land, from upland pine sites to bottomland ecosystems, provides peace of mind for maximizing the land's value. Learn more about forest and land management at www.birdandcrawford.com.

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(BPT) - With spring upon us and the emphasis on home energy efficiency continuing to grow, building industry experts say now is the best time for homeowners considering a home improvement project to look at how energy efficient their home truly is. Homeowners should ask themselves, "How much energy is being lost through inefficiencies in my home and how much is this energy loss costing me each month?"

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests there are several inexpensive and quick ways to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly energy bills. Installing a programmable thermostat can contribute to a 10 percent reduction on heating and cooling costs. Lowering your water heater's temperature by just a few degrees can make a noticeable impact on reducing your water heating bills.

The ways your home uses light can also make a noticeable impact. Using natural light to your advantage and relying less on artificial light can contribute to improving your home's energy efficiency. Also, installing ENERGY STAR-rated high efficiency windows can help reduce energy loss.

Working with an expert
Homeowners serious about optimizing their home's energy efficiency should consider working with a certified Home Energy Rater. These professionals conduct a series of tests to assess a home's energy efficiency to provide an overall efficiency rating in much the same way that appliances are rated. Equipped with this information, homeowners can make home improvement decisions that further boost their home's energy efficiency.

One way to optimize energy efficiency and minimize energy loss is to limit air leakage. Insulation experts say homeowners should survey their house from top to bottom, and assess any trouble spots such as drafty areas or cold zones which could be caused by air leakage. Air leakage can limit the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, and therefore your home's energy efficiency. According to InsulationSmart.com, floors, walls and ceilings can account for up to 31 percent of air leakage in a home.

Spray foam insulation, which can help reduce air leakage, is growing in popularity among homeowners since it is an energy-efficient material that delivers year-round benefits. When installed, spray foam insulation, like that from Icynene, expands within seconds of application to create an insulation and air seal that fills every nook and cranny to limit air loss. Spray foam insulation works well in all types of homes across the country, regardless of climate to limit air loss and maintain even temperatures throughout the home all year round.

Spray foam insulation performs for the life of the property, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment. More information on how spray foam insulation contributes to energy efficiency is available online at www.icynene.com.

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(BPT) - Spring is here! This season of new beginnings also marks the start of the year’s busiest real estate period. According to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the housing market in 2016 is set to be quite active with a 3 percent increase in total home sales compared to the previous year. If you’re planning to enter the housing market this year, buying or selling a home is a big decision and you can count on plenty of competition. To ensure you make the correct home buying or selling decisions, it’s important to do your research and arm yourself with valuable information.

“Selling or purchasing a home is one of the biggest and most important transactions many consumers will make in their lifetime,” says Tim Haynes, president of American Home Shield (AHS). “It’s important for everyone involved to make smart decisions that will help a home stand out in a competitive real estate market, and at the same time, protect against costly breakdowns.”

For both home buyers and sellers, AHS recommends preparing for what will happen vs. what might happen. A home warranty not only helps protect a home's systems while it’s on the market, but also helps provide buyers with additional confidence in their purchase. For an already financially stretched homebuyer, it’s important to know that a home warranty covers what homeowners insurance doesn’t – the repair/replacement of home system appliances.

To help you make the most of the spring home season American Home Shield offers these tips.

* Sellers: improve curb appeal. First impressions matter. Take your home’s exterior from drab to fab. Trim shrubs, mow the lawn and remove all dirt/debris from around the outside. Make sure the house numbers, mailbox and lighting fixtures near the front door look inviting. Add plants and comfy furniture to the porch for a welcoming touch.

* Sellers: optimize the space. Add the illusion of extra square footage by using the same paint in a lighter shade across rooms to create a seamless transition. Remove family photos and any customized decorations so the buyer can picture living in the home. Be sure to keep the master bedroom gender neutral. Lastly, have a professional cleaner shine the home, especially often-neglected areas like carpets, ceiling fans and baseboards to make a bigger impact.

* Buyers: do your homework. Narrow your home search to particular areas and neighborhoods that appeal to you with regard to housing prices, school districts and work commuting times. Determine your budget and stick to it. Familiarize yourself with the real estate market and your rights as a homebuyer. Know your credit score and take steps to improve it, if necessary.

* Buyers: ask the right questions. Don’t be afraid to directly ask the seller “what’s wrong with the house?” Ask to see disclosure forms around any issues with the house and check the age/condition of major home systems, like heating, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning — this can cut your costs in the long run. Additionally, an independent professional home inspection is highly recommended. This is an investment that can pay for itself many times over, especially if hidden defects are found.

American Home Shield is the nation’s largest home warranty company, servicing homes for over 45 years offers tips to arm and has a trustworthy network of over 3,000 contractors. For more information and helpful home buying and selling tips from American Home Shield, visit www.ahs.com or the Home Matters Blog and YouTube Channel, which have hundreds of maintenance tips, videos and content for homeowners to help protect homes from the inside out.

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(BPT) - Homeowners undertake home improvements for two basic reasons: to please themselves or to please others who may one day buy their home. Some types of improvements are for the sake of a speedier sale, such as planting a row of shrubs between your backyard and a busy street behind your home. Others are for your own enjoyment, like painting your rec room your favorite shade of neon pink.

The best home improvements, however, pay off in the long run whether you’re staying or selling. Here are a handful of projects that are worth the investment whether you’re hoping to please potential buyers or make your home more enjoyable for yourself:

Add skylights

Any real estate professional will agree: buyers love balanced natural light. You probably do as well! Adding Energy Star-qualified no leak skylights is a cost-effective improvement that enhances a home’s appeal to potential buyers, as well as its livability for the people currently occupying it. They’re particularly popular in bathrooms (where fresh air and privacy is a concern) and kitchens (where they also provide passive ventilation of cooking odors and excessive heat), but skylights can go in any room where you want more natural light, an open, airy feeling and a brightened appearance.

Solar powered fresh-air skylights, like those from VELUX America, can help improve indoor air quality while brightening things up and cutting down on the need for artificial light. Add solar powered blinds to boost the energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent and you’ll love your skylights even more. Solar-powered skylights and blinds are operated by a touchpad programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as is the cost of installation.

And skylight blinds can help you decorate while boosting energy efficiency. They are available in a variety of designer colors and patterns to coordinate with your décor while giving you complete control of the light that enters your rooms. The choices include light diffusing, light blocking, and light controlling Venetian blinds, all of which can be operated manually or by remote control.

To further differentiate home spaces such as hallways and closets, which never seem to have enough light, consider Sun Tunnel tubular skylights which are inexpensive and easily installed in a matter of hours. They also offer light kits for 24/7 functionality. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

Add or upgrade a deck

When the weather warms, your family will want to spend more time outdoors and a deck is the perfect platform for outdoor enjoyment. Potential buyers also perceive it as a benefit, and adding or upgrading a deck can boost your home’s value. In fact, a wooden deck will recoup 75 percent of its installation costs at time of resale, and a composite deck recoups 64 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

Bigger is better right now in the world of deck building, with more homeowners looking to increase the size of their decks. Multi-level decks are also on trend, with many people dedicating different deck levels for different functions, such as an outdoor kitchen, spa area with hot tub, and entertainment seating.

Exterior paint

Repainting the exterior of your home is a big job, but one that’s well worth the investment, whether you’re trying to impress potential buyers with great curb appeal, or simply make your house a more enjoyable place to return to each day. Exterior paint greatly affects the overall look of a home, plus quality paint helps protect siding from the elements. Your color choice could also affect your utility bills; if you live in a hot environment, lighter colors will help reflect heat away from your home. If you’re selling, a fresh, attractive paint job could increase your home’s purchase price.

Kitchen cosmetics

Great kitchens sell homes, and the kitchen is also the room where many families spend the greatest amount of time, so anything you do to improve a kitchen is well worth the investment. Taking care of basic items like replacing old cabinet hardware, upgrading faucets and lighting, and investing in quality countertops can be cost-effective ways to elevate your home’s value and boost the usability of the kitchen.

Even a minor kitchen remodel can recoup more than 83 percent of its cost at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine.

Whether you plan to put your home on the market this spring or summer, or intend to stay put for years to come, it pays to invest in home improvements that enhance both resale value and your enjoyment of your home.

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(BPT) - When you picture a retaining wall, do you imagine it holding back dirt? That's the most common use for retaining walls - to address elevation changes and prevent erosion. But concrete segmental retaining wall (SRW) units are multi-purpose landscaping tools with many more uses.

Site planners, engineers, landscape architects, designers, developers and builders have long relied on SRWs to manage sloping properties, provide more usable space, or create stadium seating. Homeowners, too, have discovered retaining walls can be used to create functional outdoor features, says Scott Arnold, manager of Villa Landscapes in St. Paul, Minnesota.

"Because segmental retaining walls are both durable and beautiful, landscapers and homeowners can use them to create outdoor seating, raised patios and other features," says Arnold. "They are the perfect building block to create grill islands, outdoor kitchens and so much more."

Most SRWs are easy to install, which is an important consideration for both landscape professionals and do-it-yourselfers, Arnold said. With retaining wall systems, homeowners and landscapers can create freestanding walls, seat walls, columns, stairs, planters and other features without the need for special units.

Stunning seating

While commercial installers often use SRW units for amphitheater and stadium seating, retaining walls can also be used to create beautiful and durable outdoor seating on a smaller scale, from freestanding walls that double as seating, to two-tiered seat walls. VERSA-LOK SRWs can be used to easily create a curved "couch" seating area that works well as a solution around a patio and fire pit for fall evenings.

Ditch the deck

Raised patios built with retaining wall units are a low maintenance option to replace aging wooden decks that require continual maintenance. Villa Landscapes designed a raised deck replacement in Minnesota with SRWs from ground level to 42-inches tall to support a paving stone patio. Stairs also built with SRWs connect the patio to the home and yard.

The result was a beautiful, spacious and low-maintenance patio with the added advantage of a clear view of the backyard. Willow Creek Paving Stones pavers were used for the patio, surrounded with a contrasting course of river rock that serves as a visual and physical boundary as well as a space for potted plants.

Create curb appeal

Where the yard meets the driveway, retaining walls can be installed as a barrier to protect the lawn from damage caused by tire tracks, plowing or deicing. A tiered arrangement that addresses a slope in the yard adds space for plants and shrubs. Freestanding walls are often built along property lines on corner lots to prevent unwanted traffic from cutting across the yard.

Columns created using retaining wall units can be paired with any style home, from classic to contemporary, to add curb appeal. When the front entryway is freshened up with seat walls and other features, the space functions like an old-fashioned porch for visiting and other outdoor activities.

A place for plants

Tree rings and planters built with retaining wall units create a tidy solution around hard-to-maintain areas, such as shallow-rooted trees and other problem spots. Planters and tree rings can function as usable space for perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs. SRWs such as VERSA-LOK can be used to create planter walls up to 4-feet tall without the need for geogrid reinforcement. VERSA-Green, a plantable wall system that mimics a hanging garden, provides a stunning living wall solution.

Build a backyard

A homeowner in Apple Valley, Minnesota, nicknamed her unmowable back yard "Billy Goat Hill" because there was no yard space and no safe way to access her garden and fire pit at the top. Plus, erosion was a continual problem.

Devine Design Landscapes of Rosemount, Minnesota, solved the problem by excavating for a small back yard and creating tiers of retaining walls with offset stairs, patio landings and seat walls. The result was a small, usable backyard space with safe access to the hilltop and ample planting space for perennials.

"With VERSA-LOK, I could use the same block to build the retaining walls, steps and seat walls," says Paul Devine, owner of Devine Design Landscapes. "The pinned system provides a high ratio of weight per square foot of wall face plus extreme flexibility in design. Back-locking lip walls are not as structurally sound as a pinned system, and hollow blocks do not provide the stability required for large tiered walls."

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(BPT) - Unless you are the latest lottery winner or Queen of England (thank you for reading, your Majesty), you try to make your home improvements really count, and sometimes have to choose one upgrade over another. What if we told you there is a rather quick improvement that will take care of eight issues around the house, all at once?

Now sit back, read along and see how many of these common problems apply to you. If there are some you haven't considered before - rejoice - there is your bonus! We'll then reveal the one simple fix.

Your savings, or lack of thereof

With bright sun comes warmth, which can be very welcome during the cold winter months. But in the summer it can wreak havoc on your AC. Do you feel like you want to cry a little (or a lot) every time your energy bill comes? Surely you have better ideas for spending that money. This solution can help you lower those pesky bills and fill that piggy bank.

Your privacy

Unless your house is naturally private, say perched on a hill or with no neighbors for miles; you probably crave some privacy. This mystery improvement can help right away. Similarly, when you want to take in the view, it will quietly and quickly disappear.

Your Sunday football viewing

Who doesn't love big windows that bring in tons of light? This is until sun glare makes you miss the winning touchdown. Sunshine makes us happy - it is a scientific fact - but too much sun isn't good, neither for your skin nor your possessions. If you want to prevent the glare and the damaging UV rays from entering your home, there is one easy answer.

Your spooky shadows

Big, bare windows are wonderful during the day with light streaming in, but what about at night? Bid goodbye to big, black windows in the evening and don't be scared of who or what may be lurking in the darkness.

Your safety

Do you live in an area where the weather can be tricky? Or on a golf course, where the golf balls are flying dangerously? With this mystery improvement you can protect your home from the weather and your window glass from flying objects!

Have you guessed what improvement are we talking about yet? Either way keep reading, as it gets even better.

Your security

This improvement can not only hurricane-proof your home, but can also help make it burglar proof. Did you know 22 percent of all residential break-ins happen via back doors - The same beloved French patio doors you just had to have and enjoy every day? If you think we want to push "prison style" security bars, think twice. This solution is just as stylish as it is functional.

Your snooze time

If you are a daytime sleeper, light sleeper or just want to sleep in on a weekend, you know how annoying outside noise and light can be. You can create a perfect sleeping environment at the touch of a button.

By now you've surely have guessed what we are talking about. But before we reveal the solution, let us stun you with one more benefit.

By using our home improvement champion you can lower your homeowners insurance!

Finally, the answer

Did you guess that the one home improvement to take care of many of the dilemmas in your home is - ta da! - an automatic rolling shutter!

They are also known as European shutters, as they are widely popular in Europe. Somfy motorized rolling shutters can be integrated into walls and soffits in new construction, or can be easily attached to existing structures. They are easily controlled from the inside via switches, remotes, automatic sensors, timers or by the myLink app via your smartphone, whether you are home or away.

P.S. We do have one more benefit up our sleeve: bragging rights! Showing your new shutter smoothly roll up and down your doors or windows is truly a conversation piece.

We all know the saying "killing two birds with one stone." How about getting a whole bunch all at once?

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(BPT) - Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are typically the rooms in any home that get the most use, which could also be why homeowners, when surveyed, consistently cite those rooms as the ones they most want to renovate. It makes perfect sense to upgrade the rooms where you spend the most time, but in high-traffic areas, you can’t afford to make changes just for the sake of cosmetics. You want improvements that can enhance your enjoyment of a room and its functionality.

Here are five smart improvements to make in the rooms users of Ranker.com voted as the most popular ones in their homes: kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms.

1. Add natural light

Most rooms in the home look better and are more functional in natural light, and more daylight can help reduce the need for artificial light. What’s more, there’s no arguing the positive mental and physical health effects of natural light. Daylight stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D and boosts brain levels of serotonin, which is thought to be associated with positive moods.

Adding skylights is a practical, cost-effective and attractive way to bring more natural light into virtually any room. Remote-controlled, solar-powered fresh-air skylights from Velux America provide not just natural light, but passive ventilation, a real plus in kitchens and baths. Adding solar powered blinds, in designer colors and patterns, increases energy efficiency while giving you total control over the amount of sunlight entering a room through the skylight.

In kitchens, Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights increase natural light and ventilation without requiring any loss of wall space you could better use for cabinetry. In bathrooms, they provide the perfect combination of privacy and healthful natural light and ventilation.

If you already have older glass or plastic bubble skylights, you can upgrade to the latest solar powered models, plus solar blinds, and receive a 30 percent federal tax credit on the products as well as installation costs. You can even bring more natural light into rooms or areas without direct roof access, like half-baths, closets and hallways, with Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

2. Add organization/storage

Clutter and chaos not only make a room function less efficiently, it can impact your mood as well. Adding organization and storage to rooms where clutter typically collects — such as bedrooms, living rooms and game rooms — is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the function of the room and how you feel about spending time in it.

In bedrooms, maximize closet space by installing organization units. A variety of manufacturers offer ready-made units you can install yourself. Or, for a bit more investment, you can have a professional closet organizer custom-make a unit to fit your space and needs. In living rooms and game rooms, built-in shelving and cabinetry is a functional and beautiful way to improve organization.

3. Improve ventilation

Air flow is critical to the health of your home and everyone who lives in it. Ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms carries away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew, and creates a fresher, more healthful environment by exhausting stale indoor air.

Bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans, and kitchen hoods should vent to the exterior of your home whenever possible. You can further improve ventilation by installing Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux. Because these skylights open, they provide passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and admit fresh air. A sensor operates a motor to close the skylights automatically in case of rain.

4. Replace older, inefficient fixtures and appliances

Fixtures and appliances are key elements of kitchens and bathrooms. Older ones not only look dated and shabby, they can cost you money because they use more electricity and water than newer, more efficient models.

Replacing old faucets, shower heads, dishwashers and washing machines with newer models that use less water can reduce your water bill and give kitchens and bathrooms a whole new look. Energy Star-qualified appliances such as stoves, clothes dryers, refrigerators and washers also use less electricity than older appliances, so you can also lower your energy bills.

5. Freshen the foundations

Every room benefits from a good foundation, and that doesn’t just mean sturdy flooring. Wall color, flooring materials and trim are fundamental elements in any room. Simply repainting walls and woodwork can completely change the way any room looks. Or, if you like the colors you have, a fresh coat in the same color will make the room look brighter and newer. Replacing worn carpeting or dated tiles, or refinishing a hardwood floor are also great ways to improve the foundations of any room.

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(BPT) - There are so many reasons to love fall. From the brisk breeze and color-changing leaves outdoors, to prepping for the holidays and watching football inside, there couldn't be a better time to make a few updates around your house. Consider these simple fall home updates to stylishly welcome the season.

Paint to please

Throughout the year, our walls can undergo stress from energetic kids, furniture moving and everyday traffic. If your home will be busy during the holidays, welcome guests with a newly painted entryway, or, freshen up your family room with a colorful accent wall. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a room, so embrace the season and try a fall-inspired hue that harmonizes with your existing space like deep emerald green, royal purple or burgundy. Deep, rich paint colors are a top design trend of 2015, so the bolder the better. To achieve the best results, use FrogTape brand painter's tape to attain sharp paint lines. FrogTape is treated with PaintBlock Technology, which seals the edges of the tape, preventing paint bleed. To help incorporate the color of the accent wall into the room, add décor and accessories in similar shades throughout the area, such as new pillows in your family room or a coordinating rug in your entryway.

Clever copper accents

Group together the season's leaves and branches to create a unique centerpiece, or place them throughout the house to bring life to your living areas. Crafting with fall foliage is a cinch - simply gather an assortment of thick leaves, either real or faux - and after they're rinsed and dried, spray each side of the leaf with copper paint and leave to dry for a few hours. Line these leaves up along a table runner, string them from your mantle or use them to dress up place settings. To extend the life of your metallic leaves, consider using them as place cards for holiday dinners. Easily allow guests to find their seats in shimmery style by placing printed nametags atop the leaves at each setting.

Freshen up the front door

Increase your home's curb appeal with a front door refresh just in time for the fall. For starters, give your door a new identity with a distinctive paint color - consider hunter green, colonial red or cognac. The color of your door introduces the world to those who live inside, so choose one that speaks to your family's style. After you've added personality to your door with paint, add a final touch with your family's monogram to the center of the door. If your door is metal, glue magnets to the back of the letters and it will easily adhere to it.

Proper party prep

During the fall, more time will be spent in the home's entertaining spaces to accommodate holiday soirees and family gatherings. Increase the functionality of this room - whether it's the den, family room, dining room or finished basement - and encourage guests to congregate comfortably by adding casual seating. Spice things up with a mixture of options; choose decorative stools and poufs, or upcycle vintage chairs with new, reupholstered seats. The style of your chairs can vary, but be sure to coordinate the colors and patterns. When you're not in party mode, stow away the extra seats.

Wow with a refreshed washroom

When decorating for fall, don't overlook the bathroom! A few simple changes can take this space to new heights. Start by swapping out your soap dishes and lotion pumps with new, coordinating options fitting for the season. If budget allows, replace your everyday towels with new, plush ones in fun fall colors that add a pop of color to the room. Next, add candles with autumn-inspired scents for an aromatic effect that brings the outdoor aura indoors. For subtle changes that go a long way, replace your bathroom hardware including the toilet handle, cabinet pulls or hinges and towel racks.

The fall season is a great time to revitalize elements of your home as you prepare for indoor holiday entertaining. As you choose updates, make sure they maximize your personal style. For more information on FrogTape products, visit frogtape.com.

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(BPT) - While the number of home fires occurring in the U.S. each year has fallen by more than 50 percent since 1977, the ratio of people who die in home fires has remained virtually unchanged, based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In 1977, deaths occurred in .8 percent of home fires, and in 2013, that rate was .7 percent. One possible explanation for this discrepancy: home fires now burn hotter and faster than they did 40 years ago, meaning victims have less time to escape a burning house.

"In a series of experiments, UL demonstrated that the nature of residential fires has changed dramatically," says Eric Skare, a volunteer firefighter in Minnesota and product manager of fire safety systems for Uponor. "Flashover - the point when intense heat causes an entire room to become engulfed in flames - now occurs less than five minutes after a fire starts. It used to take 30 minutes or longer for flashover to occur. People now have less time to get out of a burning house, even if their smoke alarms have alerted them to the fire."

The UL study cites several factors as driving the changes in home residential fires, including:

* Modern home design is toward larger homes with more open floor plans, an arrangement that facilitates the spread of fire. Older homes were smaller overall and featured smaller room plans.

* Construction materials currently in use contribute to a faster burn time.

* Today's home furnishings are made from many synthetic materials that combust easily, meaning fires have more fuel.

* In UL testing, modern windows of all types failed faster than windows made from older - or "legacy" materials. In some cases, the time difference was significant. For example, legacy windows made of wood with a metal frame and nine single-glazed panes failed in about 12 to 16 minutes, while modern premium wooden frame windows with two panes of double-glazed glass failed in about four to six minutes. When windows fail, they admit more oxygen into a burning building to feed the fire.

Working smoke alarms in a home are proven to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. Virtually every construction code in the U.S. requires smoke alarms in new construction. Functioning smoke alarms reduce the risk of home fire fatalities by 50 percent, according to the NFPA. A residential sprinkler system slashes the risks even further - by 80 percent. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that all homes should be equipped with both smoke alarms and sprinklers. And the International Residential Code also requires fire sprinklers for new-home construction.

A typical system represents about 1 to 1.5 percent of the total cost of new-home construction. For example, a $200,000 new home would require an investment of about $2,000 to install sprinklers - far less than the cost of other, less safety-oriented upgrades, such as premium appliances or flooring.

Multipurpose systems like Uponor's, which use durable, flexible PEX piping, reduce costs even further. Because the home's cold-water plumbing fixtures are fed from the sprinkler loop, less piping is required for the installation. And recent approvals now allow Uponor's PEX piping to be left exposed in unfinished basement applications, which simplifies installation requirements even more.

"If you're building a new home or undertaking a major renovation, there's life-saving value in asking your builder to install a fire sprinkler system," says Skare. "It doesn't have to cost a bundle to buy yourself and your family more time in case of a fire, and it's well worth the investment."

To learn more about residential fire sprinkler systems visit www.uponor-usa.com. For more information about fire safety and building construction, visit www.nfpa.org or www.iccsafe.org.

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(BPT) - Calling all DIY enthusiasts: Those popcorn ceilings have to go. They don't get much love from homeowners or homebuyers, and they can really bring down the overall look and feel of an otherwise attractive room.

Popcorn ceilings haven't really represented stylish home design since disco was on the radio, though they've certainly lingered a little longer.

Whether you're interested in a fresh look for your own family or updating your home before putting it on the market, upgrading from a popcorn ceiling is a great investment. As the largest uninterrupted space in any room, the ceiling gives you a golden opportunity to add interest or infuse your personality.

Mark Clement, a general contractor and blogger on MyFixItUplife, regularly advises homeowners on the best ways to create the most value and appeal in their home. "Ceilings really do make a greater impact than people realize," he says. "The right choice can help a room soar - but you probably won't get that effect with a popcorn ceiling."

"New ceilings are a great update, and with today's options, they're incredibly easy to install yourself," Clement says. "Stylish ceiling details really turn heads, and a new ceiling can make a dark or uninviting room feel bigger and brighter."

But, before you grab your scraper, Clement has a few words of caution about tackling popcorn ceiling removal as a DIY project. "To remove a popcorn ceiling, you have to really be committed to the task. You can certainly do it yourself, but be forewarned that it can create a gigantic mess. You'll want to consider all of your options carefully, from removing to simply covering it up, based on your time and budget. Patience is also a factor!"

If you know you want to make a change, but you're not sure of the best way to move forward, here are a few key factors you need to consider when addressing your popcorn ceiling(s):

Stains: You can't put lipstick on a pig.

Water problems, cracks and other issues that leave blemishes on your ceiling can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have a popcorn ceiling that makes it difficult to simply paint over. Covering or removing that ceiling allows you to fix the noticeable, distracting blemishes overhead and clear the path for a stylish upgrade.

Scraping: Get ready to get messy.

Popcorn ceilings don't get enough credit for tenacity, really. Once applied, they're not easy to remove! At best, you'll be soaking your ceiling with water (and possibly your walls along the way) before scraping the resulting slop off with a drywall knife. At worst, the water won't get through all of your layers of paint, and you'll be breaking out the heavy machinery to sand or scrape through it all, kicking up dust. It's doable, but it's a lengthy process and not for the faint of heart.

Cover it up: The easy way to fix ugly.

Don't worry though - you can always cover up your popcorn ceiling by installing a new ceiling over the existing one. Manufacturers like Armstrong Ceilings have many options: wood planks, metal tiles or patterned panels. How-to videos show how easy it is to install a new ceiling in as little as a day.

To our modern eyes, popcorn ceilings definitely look a bit stale, but the good news is you're not stuck with them. There are a number of options to freshen up your look and turn your ceilings into the fun, festive spaces that match your true style.

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(BPT) - The home loan process can seem intimidating, especially for a first-time homebuyer. It is not a simple process, but it doesn&'t have to be too complicated. There are many resources available to help you prepare for your home buying journey, and your mortgage lender can answer the questions you have throughout the process.

"We're finding that many of our customers come into the home loan process with limited knowledge of how the home loan process works," says Eric Hamilton, President ofVanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. "It's important to take the time to familiarize yourself with the process so you know what to expect.&"

Here are some of the key steps to the home loan process, as well as some tips to help you understand what you can expect:

1. Preparation and self-assessment

Before you dive head-first into buying a home, make sure that you know how much you can afford. The first step is to calculate your "debt-to-income ratio." You can do this by adding up your current monthly bills then subtracting your total current income. This will help you determine whether you can afford a mortgage payment, and if so, what amount might fit into your budget. Using an online mortgage calculator is a good way to help you determine what the estimated cost of your monthly mortgage payment will be. Doing these calculations first will help you assess your resources and determine your budget to purchase a home.

2. The loan application

Download a blank loan application ahead of time so you can look it over and familiarize yourself with it. This will give you an idea of the information you need when completing and submitting the application. The necessary documents may include: proof of income, proof of employment for the past two years, proof of identity, proof of residency and your social security card.

3. Origination and Underwriting

Origination - The loan officer will review your financing options, work with you to complete the credit application and create the loan account.

Underwriting - An underwriter will review the application and determine the level of credit risk you represent based on your credit score, income, existing debt and down payment. You may be asked to provide additional information about your finances during this step.

4. Satisfying loan conditions and full loan approval

In this step, you will receive a &"conditions to approval&" list from your lender, which outlines the tasks you must complete before the loan can be closed. For example, the lender may ask for additional documentation to verify income, savings or emergency funds or other proof that you can afford to repay the loan. At this point in the process the lender may offer a conditional loan approval and start the document verification process. If you accept the conditional loan approval offer, once all conditions have been met, the lender will issue a full loan approval.

5.&;Processing

Once you&'ve selected your dream home, you&'ll sign a purchase agreement with the seller. The purchase agreement tells the lender how much you have agreed to pay to purchase the home. The lender may then have the home appraised and will provide you with a copy of the appraisal.

6. Closing

In the final step of the process, the lender works with a title company to obtain and review a title report and then finalize your title on the home. The titling company receives a closing package, which contains the documents that need to be signed, recorded and become part of your mortgage loan file. At the closing, you will sign all closing documents and pay any closing costs. The lender then receives all of this signed paperwork to complete the process.

Once this process is complete, you&'re ready to move into your dream home. The home loan process may take some time, but these steps are well worth the wait. For more mortgage and loan resources, visit: www.vmfhomeloan.com.

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(BPT) - Once limited to simplistic, clean lines and cool color schemes, modern design has evolved to include sleek, minimalistic looks with gentle, warm, organic elements. The new “approachable modern” design schemes emphasize the grace of nature, respect the strength of simplicity and can be effortlessly incorporated into any home by choosing the right accents.

Incorporating metal

Metal accents often serve as the focal point of modern design. When incorporating metal into your space, start with the basics: hardware, faucets and fixtures. If you gravitate toward warm finishes like bronze tones, choose accents with clean, minimalistic silhouettes. Conversely, if you opt for modern finishes with cool blue undertones like chrome and stainless, look for hardware with organic shapes like the Delta Tesla bath faucet that boasts a gentle silhouette inspired by curves found in nature. The faucet also provides modern convenience, with optional Touch₂O.xt Technology that activates the flow of water with a simple touch or via hands-free proximity sensing.

Complementary accessories

To maintain a modern feel, simplicity is the key with accessories. Look for a few small items to work within modern and organic schemes. For instance, geometric shaped mirrors work well across from windows to enhance natural light and a touch of greenery can come to life in a minimal, white pot.

Balancing color

Choose a neutral, like grey, white or beige, as the primary color in your home to enhance a minimalistic, contemporary feel. To take a next step and elevate a home’s color palette, incorporate organic materials such as wood or slate in dark, rich tones to create warmth and texture.

Let there be light

Often overlooked, the right lighting is critical when creating a space that channels modern design and homeowners have a number of options to consider, such as recessed, wall mount, chandelier and pendant lighting. Remember quality of light and placement are key. If you wish to highlight certain room features, spot lighting can be incorporated, whereas skylights work well for added natural light.

For more information about the modern contemporary Delta Tesla Bath Collection, visit www.deltafaucet.com.

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(BPT) - Many homeowners with a passion for cooking desire a kitchen that mirrors those of renowned chefs. To achieve this, various design elements and simple upgrades can be incorporated to create the ideal kitchen that combines ultimate functionality with sophisticated style.

Faucet makeover

Culinary enthusiasts spend a lot of time at the sink. A faucet that simplifies tasks is a necessity and the Brizo Solna Articulating Kitchen Faucet is a culinary-driven innovation offering flexibility and control in the kitchen. Boasting crisp, contemporary lines, the articulating arm can be adjusted to position the two-function spray wand at various heights and angles — extend the arm up or outward to fill large pots or lower into the sink to reduce splash during clean-up. Beyond function, its Scandinavian inspiration brings a streamlined architecture to any kitchen.

Storage space

Just as great recipes call for top-quality ingredients, great kitchens need excellent tools. Maximizing storage is key for those with an impressive collection of kitchen tools and culinary essentials. Avoid overwhelming renovations and make the most of storage options by thinking “outside the cabinet” to fully accommodate needs.

For a crisp, modernized look, arrange pots and pans in a line on the wall with a linear rack. Take organization a step further by incorporating a magnet bar for sharp utensils, ensuring tools are close at hand without getting in the way. Store culinary tools and flatware in expandable drawer dividers to ensure all cabinet space is utilized and the counter remains clutter-free.

Inside garden

Bring the outside in with a miniature herb garden for fresh flavor enhancements when you need them. Spaces in front of a kitchen window with natural light are ideal for an indoor garden.

Various herbs in 3- or 4-inch pots can be grouped together in stylish trays to keep humidity high. For an extra splash of color, add edible flowering plants to the garden, such as lavender, lemongrass and violet. These homegrown herbs can be used as garnishes, to layer flavor into a dish or even in cocktails for at-home entertaining.

Designated task stations

Commercial restaurants work well with cooking stations for seamless preparation and execution. Designate specific areas for every facet of meal preparation to aid in overall organization and evoke the look and feel of a five-star kitchen in your home.

In most top-rated kitchens, food preparation is commonly performed between the sink and refrigerator to ensure all needs are met for retrieving, rinsing and chopping. Added elements like a deep sink and wide counter space make these tasks efficient and restaurant quality.

Transforming the kitchen into a chef-centered space is simple with clean, purposeful upgrades. For additional information on the Solna Articulating Faucet or to learn about other Brizo product offerings, visit www.brizo.com.

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(BPT) - Home chefs everywhere are taking a new approach when designing their dream kitchens. Beyond upscale tools and high end appliances, they also want features that are eco-friendly and environmentally smart. Here are the top trends in eco-friendly kitchen design.

Green countertops
When it comes to selecting eco-conscious kitchen countertops, home chefs are getting creative. The greenest countertops are made from recycled materials such as glass, cement, porcelain and even paper. These products aren't just environmentally friendly, they are absolutely stunning with complex colors and upscale designs that fit into any kitchen aesthetic.

Fireplace bake ovens

A fireplace/bake oven combo is a beautiful focal point that is as useful as it is stylish. Tulikivi soapstone fireplace ovens warm kitchens and provide home chefs an extremely useful way to bake. Their unique design allows wood to burn separately within the fireplace firebox or bake oven. The whole stove warms evenly from top to bottom so no heat goes to waste, plus the aroma produced by a wood-fired oven gives every meal a delicious finishing touch. Learn more about cooking with fireplace bake ovens by visiting Tulikivi on YouTube.

Eco-friendly cabinets
Appearance isn't the only thing home chefs are considering when shopping for cabinetry. Most pressed wood cabinets are made with a resin called urea-formaldehyde, which can be unhealthy. Buying cabinets made from solid wood helps avoid this concern. Additionally, cabinets made from sustainable materials are in high demand, like bamboo or wood that has been responsibly harvested. Finally, nontoxic paints and varnishes are a must.

Greenhouse garden windows
A garden window is a popular option for kitchens above the sink. Not only do these types of windows let natural light into the space to cut energy expenses, they also feature a recessed ledge ideal for potted plants. That means this eye-catching window also allows home chefs to grow their own herbs year round so there's no need to waste time and fuel running to the local grocery store. Healthy, fresh flavorings can be plucked at a moment's notice.

Energy efficient appliances
Appliances alone account for a whopping 13 percent of a household's energy costs. Refrigeration and cooking appliances are the biggest energy drains, so it's no surprise that green kitchens feature Energy Star approved appliances. Kitchen features that give more bang for the buck are in high demand also. Half of all the energy used in the home goes to heating, this is why smart homeowners are using Tulikivi ovens to bake and heat their homes. These bakeovens store heat in the thermal mass of the soapstone, a two-hour burn can radiate heat for up to 24 hours producing clean, comfortable, cost-saving warmth. 

Reclaimed materials
New doesn't always mean the best. In fact, more home chefs are seeking reclaimed materials not only for environmental reasons, but also because these materials give kitchen spaces one-of-a-kind personality. For example, vintage reclaimed tile is fantastic for creating a conversation-worthy backsplash that no other kitchen has. Another option is reclaimed wood from old barns or schoolhouses, which can be transformed into noteworthy flooring with a great backstory.

Smart faucets
Today's kitchen faucets have entered the smart age. More than just low-flow for water conservation, smart faucets offer additional ways to go green. Some have motion sensors so with a wave of the hand they turn on quickly and then turn off after a designated amount of time. Home chefs enjoy features like quick hot to cool temperature changes too, which make it easy to cook and also save H2O.

The green movement is here to stay and home chefs are embracing kitchen design that offers upscale elegance while being eco-friendly. Consider these trends when you build your dream kitchen. To learn more, visit Tulikivi.us or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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(BPT) - Imagine being able to heat your home with no more energy than used by a hair dryer turned on low, or even going off the grid altogether.

Thanks to smaller, carefully planned home designs, coupled with a superior insulation system, super energy-efficient small homes are growing in popularity.

Once perceived as the housing of commune-living hippies in the 1960s, today's small homes feature exceptional design and comfort. Although the average size of U.S. homes increased 57 percent in the past 40 years, more Americans are becoming interested in smaller homes designed to make the most of each square foot, rather than just building bigger. This trend is seen in the growing popularity of TV shows like "Tiny House Nation," and dozens of websites and blogs devoted to the small house movement.

Although there is no formal definition for these smaller abodes, The Tiny House Community website considers a home to be "small" if it is under 1,000 square feet, and "tiny" if less than 400 square feet. At the extreme, some "tiny houses" are less than 100 square feet - about the size of a camper.

The secret to living smaller is optimizing the available space, and creating areas that are cozy instead of cramped. One key is making use of otherwise wasted space, such as adding storage under beds or under staircases, and doing away with non-critical features like the great rooms that sit unused in many homes. Small home designers are able to create a sense of openness and light in the small footprint by including numerous windows or mirrors, as well as other design touches such as lofts and curved ceilings. In essence, in the smaller spaces there is clear purpose for every element in the home.

"Attention to the small gives character to the whole," says acclaimed architect and simple-living proponent, Sarah Susanka. Susanka is author of the book, "The Not So Big House."

For many small home enthusiasts, the appeal is not only a simpler life in a smaller, un-cluttered home, but also saving money and living green by consuming much less energy. All else being equal, it takes less energy to heat and cool a smaller home than a larger one, but many small homes also use an advanced building technique for high energy efficiency and quick construction - structural insulated panel (SIPs).

"SIP panel walls and roofs combine the insulation and structure in one unit," says Joe Pasma, technical manager for Premier SIPs, North America's largest SIP panel manufacturer. "The end result is much lower air leakage and continuous insulation, which helps reduce heating and cooling energy use up to 60 percent compared to other building methods - whether in a tiny house or a standard-sized one." As visually interesting home designs are important to many small home dwellers, Pasma notes that SIP panels can be used in virtually any architectural style.

An increasing number of builders in the U.S. specialize in tiny house designs, with many of them offering SIP panel homes. These range from do-it-yourself kit homes up to fully personalized homes. Getting started is simple explains Patrick Sughrue, president of Artisan Tiny House in Vancouver, Washington.

"We use a step-by-step process in which we take one of our templates that's close to what you want and customize it to make it yours."

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(BPT) - Whether you've just moved into a home or you've lived there for years, it might be time for a design tune-up. While many may think tackling their home décor takes a bundle of time, money and expertise, it doesn't have to be so frightening. You don't need to spend a fortune or go to design school to breathe a little life into your home.

"It's all about simplicity," says Susan Yoder, interior design expert for Clayton Homes. "A little goes a long way when it comes to home décor and living spaces. Only a few simple changes can make a big difference and allow you to create a room you'll be itching to show off to friends and family."

Yoder offers a few of her design tips that will help any homeowner revamp their space:

Pops of color. "Nothing livens up a room like a bright pop of color," Yoder says. If you have neutral-toned furniture, try sprucing up the room with lamps, curtains and accessories in bold hues. If you're up for a painting challenge, an accent wall is a great way to incorporate color into a space. Choose your favorite color from a throw pillow or wall-art piece in the room to pull the look together. 

Varying textures. A room tends to get boring when it focuses on only one texture, so it's important to create a sense of balance. Try varying the fabric types on your sofa and curtains. Add in some metal or wooden accents to draw the eye around the room. You can even play with lighting to reflect off certain objects and create visual interest.

Antique feature. Choose an antique or unique piece of décor to be the inspiration for the room. This could be a rug, lamp, chair or even a chandelier - anything that gets you energized and motivated. Get creative and run with the theme it creates. Or if your style is more on the modern side, an antique object will stand out among your contemporary décor.

Symmetrical yet functional. The furniture collection in a room should form a restful, symmetrical layout. It's all about balance. There should be between three and 10 feet between each seat. Additionally, instead of pushing each piece up against the wall to create more space, give your furniture a bit of breathing room a few inches from the wall. This makes the room appear open and airy.

Clutter-free organization. Getting rid of clutter is a grand challenge for most homeowners. When you decide to take on the mess, drawers and cabinets are your best friends. Take some time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate or throw away. Store any leftover items that can cause clutter in an organized, out-of-sight area.

Use these tips to revitalize your space and you'll be ready to confidently host gatherings and enjoy your home instead of shying away from your living space.

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(BPT) - Everyone wants a great outdoor space, but backyard projects can be a lot of work - and in many cases, a lot of money. So it just makes sense to choose projects that will enhance your quality of living for summers to come as well as yield a great return on investment. Here, then, are five value-building outdoor projects that pay off in more ways than one.

1. Add a wood deck

Decks are great additions for multiple reasons. They expand your living space outside, creating a useful link between interior and exterior spaces. Wood decks also offer one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. In fact, a wood deck will recoup more than 80 percent of its construction cost when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. Composite decking, in comparison, comes up short in terms of ROI.

A deck constructed of Western Red Cedar benefits from the lumber's natural rot resistance, low maintenance requirements (you can stain it or let it weather naturally) and its inherent beauty. What's more, Real Cedar lumber comes from certified sustainable forests, so you can feel good about your deck's environmental impact. Visit www.realcedar.com to learn more.

2. Update your landscape lighting

Lighting outdoor areas once required lots of wiring and professional installation, but advances in solar lighting efficiency and brilliance have made landscape lighting easy. From uplights that illuminate trees and architectural features, to light strands that provide visual delineation of stairs and railings, a variety of solar lighting options are available. Installation is often as simple as putting a stake in the ground. Plus, it's cost-effective. True, you may need to make an initial investment in quality solar lights, but you'll save in the long run on electricity. Also, doesn't the idea of a warmly lit backyard space just seem more inviting?

3. Define your seating area

Creating an outdoor room that feels like an extension of your home is a win-win. It increases the square footage of your living space, which in turn, increases the value of your property. Of course, choosing the right material is paramount in terms of maximizing your investment. Whether you're designing a fully loaded, outdoor kitchen/dining area or simply installing a pergola with some built-in benches, you need beautiful high-performance products. With that in mind, your best bet is a strong versatile wood such as Western Red Cedar. It's pitch and resin-free, so it readily accepts and holds a variety of finishes. Or for an ultra-low maintenance option, you can let cedar weather naturally to a graceful silvery patina. 

4. Build a fire pit

Right now, fire pits are the "hottest" thing in landscaping (pun intended). Landscape architects also cite a fire pit as an outdoor improvement that's in high demand. That's because they're great for enhancing key areas and creating a sense of place, which in turn, adds value to your home. They can be both practical - warming an outdoor space on chilly fall evenings - and fun. Installing one is relatively easy, too. You can find plenty of design ideas, complete with building instructions, with a simple online search. Be sure to carefully consider where you locate your fire pit, keeping safety in mind.

5. Incorporate raised planters

Gardening is a popular outdoor pastime, and building raised planters or beds can make it easier to enjoy a variety of vegetables and flowers throughout the growing season. Planting in raised beds - instead of directly in the ground - affords you greater control over soil quality, moisture and pests. Plus, tending raised beds is easier on the back. For a longer-term investment, choose a durable, naturally rot-resistant material, such as Western Red Cedar. This will ensure your beds are in good shape from season to season. And according to many home renovation experts, it's little landscaping touches like this that can add substantial value to your home.

For more outdoor ideas, free building plans and information on Western Red Cedar, visit www.realcedar.com.

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(BPT) - Though summer is winding down, for many families, hectic moving schedules are still underway. Whether you are moving this season or planning for a move in the near future, consider some helpful guidelines on packing up, moving out and settling in without a hitch - plus, the latest technologies to turn your new house into a home.

Here are five tips to help you minimize moving stress and settle in quickly:

Make a list, measure it twice. After celebrating the signing of your new home (congratulations!), it's time to begin the moving process. Even before you start packing, it's important, if possible, to visit your new home with a tape measure. Carefully measure and take note of the square footage and dimensions of every room in your new home. Do the same with any existing appliances and furniture you plan on relocating to your new home to ensure that everything fits through the door and in the space. LG's moving guide (www.lg.com/us/moving) is designed to help and includes tips on measuring your current appliances to make sure they'll fit. If you're purchasing new large appliances or furniture, be sure to measure everything in the store or take note of each item's dimensions online to make sure it fits. Removing or replacing a refrigerator, for example, is a time-consuming and expensive task that can be avoided with careful planning. If you aren't able to visit before moving in, ask your broker or real estate agent for a copy of the floor plan.

Pack strategically, unpack easily. Pack and label items by category, such as dishes, winter clothes and books, or by appropriate area, such as bedroom, kitchen and living room. To limit damage, be sure to pack fragile and valuable items carefully with padded packaging, and communicate fragile items clearly with your movers. To save even more hassle, pack a couple of boxes of essential items, specifically for the first night in your new home, which would otherwise be hard to find. You'll thank yourself when items such as cleaning supplies, fresh linens and a coffeepot are right at your fingertips. Staying organized is key to avoid losing your belongings - resulting in saving time and unnecessary re-purchasing expenses in the process.

Find savings and convenience in new technology. Moving is a common time to buy new electronics - and there are some simple ways to make these new purchases more customizable than ever. For example, rather than choosing surround sound speakers that require lots of cumbersome wiring to install, select a wireless speaker and TV surround sound system like LG's Music Flow. It offers a range of speakers and soundbars that you can mix and match to create a customized and easy-to-use home audio system for your new living space. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and Google Cast built in, systems like this let you can stream your favorite online music services, including Spotify and Pandora, straight from your mobile device. There's no need for additional hardware or wires.

Share your new address. Take initiative and update your employer, bank, school, doctors, pharmacist and credit card company with your new address as early as possible. This can affect billing statements and formal records, which are a headache to change at a later date. Be sure to call your electric, cable and internet companies to swap your address, and inquire about any potential changes in your service. Sign up for USPS mail forwarding to ensure all of your mail reaches you in a timely manner. And don't forget to keep your friends and family in the loop! It's a busy and exiting time, so share your news!

Upgrade your appliances. If you're not planning to bring your current laundry appliances to your new home, look for a new ENERGY STAR washer and dryer with the latest cleaning technologies that help make clean-up a breeze and save on your electric bill, too. One such example is LG's top-load laundry pair with the dryer featuring an EasyLoad door, the first machine to open two ways. The unique door can be accessed from the top (hamper style) to easily toss in wet clothes from the washer and sideways to quickly unload clothes into the basket. This makes it easier than ever to drop in and unload laundry.

For additional tips on moving and settling into a new space, as well as a complete, eight-week timeline, check the helpful LG moving guide (www.lg.com/us/moving). It's impossible to anticipate every bump in the road, but having a thorough yet flexible plan will help minimize stress and ensure the moving process goes smoothly.

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(BPT) - Homeownership is a dream for many Americans, and maybe it's one of yours as well. Making this dream a reality requires hard work, dedication and the proper preparation. You must figure out where you want to live, what type of home you desire, what you can afford and also how your credit rating may impact your home-purchasing goals.

Your credit rating can play an important role in the home buying process, and your creditworthiness could also affect the amount that you can borrow, the interest rates you will qualify for and your ability to obtain a mortgage loan in the first place.

"A consumer's credit is one of the biggest factors that goes into the mortgage-application process," says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. "Before applying for a loan, it is crucial to get your credit in the best shape you possibly can."

To help you build good credit and increase your ability to obtain better loan terms, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. offers these tips for improving your credit:

Pay your bills on time

Late or missed payments on any of your credit accounts, such as credit cards, mortgages and other loans, could cause a drop in your credit score. To prevent this, make your payments on time. Making additional payments whenever possible and paying extra toward the principal balance will also help to keep a good payment history and decrease the payoff timeline. Using an Extra Principal Payment Calculator tool can also help you calculate the savings that come with paying extra - generating additional motivation to do so.

Minimize any outstanding debt and keep existing debt manageable

Paying your statement balances in full instead of letting debt accumulate can improve your credit scores, which may result in better terms being offered from lenders. Lenders often check your credit report when you apply for a loan and measure the amount of debt you're carrying against the loan amount they've requested. Excessive debt is one of the factors that could cause a lender to decline your application.

Avoid applying for unnecessary credit

Credit applications can appear as inquiries on credit reports, which may suggest to lenders that an applicant is taking on additional debt. Be aware of advertising or sales promotions that offer purchase discounts if you apply for a credit card. Even these cards could show up as inquiries on your credit report. These inquiries remain on credit reports for two years. Instead of applying for additional credit, use your existing lines of credit to showcase your responsible credit management by paying bills on time and paying off the debt quickly.

"There are a lot of steps you can take to improve your credit, but it's important to remember that credit scores don't change overnight," says Hamilton. "It takes time to increase your credit rating, and while it may feel like a slow-moving effort, it is well worth the wait when you get to open the door to a home of your own for you and your family."

For more credit tips, you can check out the full Guide to Credit, and find other useful guides for homebuyers on vmfhomeloan.com.

NMLS Disclosure

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, ( http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, KS Licensed Mortgage Co. (SL.0000720), Licensed by the NH Banking Department, Mississippi Licensed Mortgage Company, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

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(BPT) - If you are renovating any area of your home, it may be time to try something new-such as bringing tile into main living areas in addition to your bathrooms and kitchen. New designs, styles and technologies are making tile the most versatile and accessible flooring material.

"Tile has always been durable and easy to maintain," says Kevin McDaniel, director of product development and design services for The Tile Shop, which sells tile and natural stone at more than 100 retail showrooms across the country, from Arizona to New York. "Tile has a long life span and classic good looks, making it a favorite flooring of choice wherever homeowners need a floor material that's both practical and beautiful. Even more design options are available now, making tile a smart floor surface in virtually any room of the home."

Homeowners, builders, designers and product developers are thinking outside the box when incorporating tile into renovations and new builds. From bringing tile flooring up the wall, to using the same tile flooring across multiple rooms, to using water jet technology, they're working with tile in non-traditional ways. Here are some top tile trends to consider for your interior design project:

1. The look of real wood with a rustic finish. Many of the larger-format faux wood tiles mimic the look of real hardwood floors. Less expensive and more durable than real wood, these tile floors are practical yet beautiful choices for active households with children and pets. Details evoke the character of real wood, right down to the nails. "Rustic faux wood is making a huge splash because of its warm, earthy coloring and unusual time-worn finishes such as aged paint, a finish hard to achieve with real wood. I foresee it continuing to be a very popular design trend," McDaniel says.

2. Those longer tile planks. While standard square tile sizes will always have their place in home décor, rectangular tiles - otherwise known as planks - are gaining popularity. New 12-by-24-inch tiles are a hot choice in bathrooms and 6-by-36-inch tiles or 8-inch by 8-feet planks (often in wood-grained looks) are a favorite for living areas.

"Using longer planks can help smaller spaces look larger, and create an appealing consistency across multiple rooms," says McDaniel. "While consumers may be familiar with traditional tile shapes such as square or hexagon, these longer tiles offer exciting new design flexibility."

3. That poured concrete look. While concrete is a trendy design material right now, it's not practical for every household or application. New tile styles create the look of poured or stained concrete at a fraction of the cost, and with all the durability, versatility and ease associated with tile. Tile options range from long rectangular 8-by-18-inch or 12-by-24-inch planks to 18-by-18-inch squares. Tiles are rectified-the edge is cut completely straight-and grout joints are very narrow to further create the look of seamless concrete.

4. The warmth of heated floors. While heated floors were once a luxury option for homeowners, they're becoming increasingly mainstream. Tile lends itself to radiant heat beneath the floor. The Tile Shop carries a full line of accessories, including thermostats, which can control the heat in any floor in your home. This includes both the shower floor and shower benches.

5. Unconventional grout and tile design ideas. Using a high-contrast grout color can make the floor pop, and it's a tactic that works well with mosaic designs. Choosing the right grout color is just as important as the tile you select. Also popular is the concept of mosaic designs that mimic an area rug within a larger section of tile flooring and create the look of custom art within the floor.

Shopping for tile designs and inspiration is easy when you visit one of The Tile Shop's local showrooms or visit www.tileshop.com.

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(BPT) - Most people probably think of windows and skylights only when they're buying or selling a house, when they get dirty, when they leak, or when the kid next door lobs a baseball through one. Yet the glass in your home is arguably among its most important features, directly impacting the structure's overall energy efficiency and livability.

Well-maintained, operational windows and skylights provide abundant natural light and passive ventilation, and models are available that maximize insulation values as well. If you've been overlooking the glass in your home even while you've been looking through it, take a moment to reflect on its condition, and whether it's helping you save energy or costing you money.

How windows work in your favor

The advantages glass brings to a home may seem obvious, but a deeper look reveals just how important it really is. Over time, homes have become much more energy efficient - which is good for the environment and your wallet - and better windows and skylights have a lot to do with that improvement.

The National Fenestration Rating Council rates windows based on a number of basic criteria, including the U-factor, which measures heat loss through the glass, and solar heat gain, which indicates how much heat enters a room through the glass. Understanding how those two measures work and what they mean can help you choose the type of window that's best for where you live. For example, if you live in a hot climate you may want to consider selecting windows that minimize solar heat gain.

Many new technologies in glass design have enhanced the efficiency of windows. For example, the insulating effect of double-pane windows gets an added boost with the addition of blinds. Electrostatic film allows homeowners to make window glass clear or opaque with the touch of a button. Another type of window coating admits natural light, but blocks out most of the infrared energy and ultraviolet rays that, along with artificial lighting and other factors, create heat and cause fading of materials inside the home.

In addition to the energy efficiency of the glass itself, the quality and maintenance of the structure surrounding the glass - the framework that makes it a window instead of just a pane of glass - also affect its efficiency. Whatever type of window you choose - vinyl, wood, fiberglass or metal - or the age of existing windows, properly sealing them helps ensure they'll do their job as efficiently as possible. You can learn more about energy performance ratings and energy-efficient windows at www.energy.gov.

The advantages of skylights

Skylights have always offered many functional and aesthetic advantages for homeowners. They admit natural light, which can help reduce dependence on artificial light sources. Fresh air skylights can also provide passive ventilation to remove humidity, fumes and excess heat from a home - all of which improves indoor air quality. Today, high-tech, energy-efficient glass in modern skylights also works hard to help your home function optimally.

Manufacturers like Velux America utilize glass in their no leak solar powered fresh air skylights that stays cleaner and clearer, reduces outside noise, and protects the contents of your home - such as carpet and furnishings - from the fading effects of the sun. Velux's "Clean, Quiet & Safe Glass" is laminated with a super-thin coating of titanium dioxide and silicone dioxide to help keep the glass cleaner, and reduce outside noise by up to 25 percent compared to a standard double-pane glass and 50 percent compared to a plastic skylight. The glass sheds water more effectively and has a U-value and UV protection superior to regular tempered glass.

Remote-controlled, solar-powered blinds in decorator styles and colors further improve a skylight's overall energy efficiency. And you may be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit on solar skylights, blinds and installation cost. Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more.

Humans have been making glass and using it in windows for thousands of years. Today's windows and skylights draw on thousands of years of human innovation and some very recent modern technological advances to help keep homes comfortable, secure and efficient.

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(BPT) - If you're planning a home improvement project this year, you're in good company. The economy and housing market are recovering, home values and equity are rising, and many homeowners are beginning projects they had put off over the past few years. A recent report by the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University predicts that the home improvement industry could post record-level spending in 2015.

Creating your dream home could involve major work, like remodeling a bathroom or finishing a basement, or smaller changes like landscaping or new flooring. As costs can range from $30 for a can of paint to six figures for big additions, a significant part of planning your project is financing. Numerous options may be available and it's important to seek information from an experienced financial professional.

"Many consumers aren't aware of all the financing options for home improvement, or they may not have thought of those options to pay for the work they want to do," says Kelly Kockos, senior vice president with Wells Fargo Home Equity. "Homeowners can start by defining a vision of what they want their finished project to look like, and talking with a banker or lender to explore how to pay for it."

As you prepare to make decisions about financing, ask yourself these questions to get started:

1. Size of project: How much do you want to spend, and will you need access to funds throughout your project or one lump sum? You may not know your total budget but it's important to have a good idea of what your project might cost.
2. DIY vs. contractor: Are you planning to do the work yourself or hire a contractor? If you are using a contractor, references and your own research can help you make an informed choice.
3. Repayment plan: Will you need long-term financing or is short-term financing sufficient? If you plan to borrow funds, consider the monthly payment that would fit your budget.

These are some common financing options to explore:

*Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) - A HELOC can provide ongoing access to funds using the equity in your home, which typically results in lower interest rates than unsecured credit. This type of credit may also provide you potential tax benefits. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Wells Fargo has a combination of industry-leading features to help you borrow responsibly - principal and interest payments that rebuild your equity, annual and lifetime rate caps, and the ability to lock and unlock your rate with a fixed rate advance.

*Mortgages with built-in renovation financing - These loans help homeowners complete renovations with a loan amount that is based on an appraiser's estimate of what the property value will be with completed improvements. This is also an option for aspiring homeowners who purchase properties that need repair. Whether a home purchase or a refinance, this option finances the renovations and mortgage in one loan. Wells Fargo is the nation's leading originator of renovation financing, with a dedicated team of home mortgage consultants specializing in renovation lending.

*Cash-out refinance mortgages - A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new and larger mortgage that pays off your current balance and allows you to use the equity in your home to provide additional funds for other purposes.

*Credit card - Credit cards can be used for large or small purchases and may earn rewards, which can add up to significant benefits when you're making big home improvement purchases. However, credit cards often have higher interest rates than other loan or credit options, which should be taken into consideration.

*Personal loans and lines of credit - These personal credit options typically offer quick credit decisions and access to funds in a day. Lines of credit provide ongoing access to funds.

*Savings - If you have a do-it-yourself project or a small renovation, accessing your savings might be an option. By paying cash, there is faster access to funds and nothing to repay.

Your bank may not be the best source for what color to paint your room or which walls to move, but it can help you identify your financial options. Each option has its associated benefits and considerations, and your bank can provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions about which options are right for you. More information and tips on home improvement financing are available online in the Wells Fargo Home Improvement Lending Center, including a financing option comparison tool.

With these tips and the help of a finance professional, you can go from imagining your modern kitchen or new deck to getting started on them.

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(BPT) - When the calendar flips to the summer months, all you can think about is getting outside and soaking up the sun. But when you look out the window into your yard, what do you see? Is it an inviting space that encourages you to get out and enjoy the fresh air? Or could it use a bit of sprucing up?

This is an opportunity to upgrade and get the most out of your outdoor space. With only a few features, you can create a leisurely outdoor space fit for relaxation and escape from everyday stressors. These backyard additions can bring both functionality and beauty to your home's exterior.

Pumped up curb appeal. Curb appeal can make or break the appearance of your home. Step out to the street and take a look at your home from a passerby's view. What stands out? Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your siding or a bright shade to your front door. Plant a few colorful flowers in window boxes or pots for some eye-catching detail.

Outdoor lighting. Another way to add curb appeal is to illuminate your home with outdoor lighting. Strategically place lights throughout your yard to add a welcoming theme to the look of your home. Outdoor lighting also provides a number of safety features. Not only does it deter burglars and vandals, but it makes your pathways and sidewalks easier to see so you can have added peace of mind.

Cozy fire pit. Whether it's built-in or portable, a fire pit can work wonders on a backyard's ambiance. Imagine warming up during those breezy summer nights around the fire with your family and friends. This simple addition instantly transforms your patio into an inviting gathering space and allows you to entertain long after the sun goes down. You can already taste the roasted marshmallows and hot dogs.

Updated gates. Fences and gates are great for keeping kids and pets out of places they shouldn't be like pools, gardens and other potentially dangerous areas. When updating your outdoor space this summer, a safer gate latch is a necessity. The Magna Latch Alert by D&D Technologies is the only gate latch in the world with an integrated alarm system, providing both audible and visual security features. Keep your gated areas safe with an alarm that sounds if someone is getting into an area they shouldn't. You can install a latch gate in minutes without the need for special tools, screws or wiring. It's essentially two projects in one: a reliable gate latch and alarm.

Outdoor kitchen. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy meals outside with your family and friends. Why not take the cooking outside too? This way, you'll be able to socialize with your guests while preparing a delicious barbecue meal for them. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple or as complex as you'd like. Start with a grill and work your way into outdoor refrigerators, sinks and serving areas.

Summertime shouldn't be spent sitting indoors. Studies show that spending time in the sun increases your vitamin D levels, which helps fight certain conditions like depression, osteoporosis and heart attacks, according to Harvard Health Publications. Make your outdoor time more enjoyable this summer with these outdoor living additions.

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(BPT) - Moving brings exciting possibilities of a different neighborhood, fresh spaces to decorate and new family traditions to be made. But it also means leaving behind people and places you love. While some sentimental items can be taken to your new place, many memories just aren't transportable. That's why it's even more important to protect those goods that can make the move.

To help ensure your treasured belongings arrive safely to your new home, be prepared and arm yourself with tools that make safeguarding your possessions simple and less stressful.

Make room for new memories

Although you want to preserve your memories, taking everything with you isn't necessarily the best decision. Moving is the perfect opportunity to organize and purge items you don't need or won't use in your new residence. To lessen the load on moving day, hold a garage sale or donate unwanted items to a local charity. Plus, if you're trying to sell your current home, the less clutter the better.

Once you've determined which objects will make the move, decide where they'll go in your new place. While some of your belongings are currently in the den, will they be in the spare bedroom now? Make the unpacking process simpler by creating a plan for your new space in advance and pack according to where things will go, not by where they've been.

Organize, don't agonize

Starting the process early can help avoid nerve-wracking, last-minute packing, and give you time to be a bit nostalgic. Before you begin boxing things up, take videos and photos of each room to preserve your memories of that space. Don't forget to include outdoor areas like a backyard treehouse or handprints in the patio cement.

Then, make a checklist of everything you need to accomplish before moving - packing, cleaning, cancelling and restarting utilities, registering the kids for school - and set a timeline for completing each step. Once you're ready to start packing, do it methodically, working room by room to make the task seem more manageable. Start with decorative pieces that you can go without for a month or so, keeping items you need daily for last.

Protect delicate possessions

To ensure your belongings arrive safely, it's essential to pack possessions with extra care. Safeguard breakables with wrapping materials designed to protect fragile goods, such as Duck brand Bubble Wrap cushioning. It features a nylon barrier that prevents air loss, ensuring the bubbles remain filled for the best protection.

Next, pack items in clean, sturdy containers in a variety of sizes. Use large boxes for bulky, yet lighter furnishings, such as pillows and blankets, and place heavier objects in smaller boxes to avoid unnecessary strain. Seal boxes securely with a quality packaging tape, like Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape. Its Frustration Free special release technology means you never lose the tape end (a major frustration when packing numerous boxes), plus it won't split or tear.

Be sure to label boxes clearly, marking them on the sides of the boxes, not the top. This step makes it obvious what's inside, even if they're stacked. You also can use different colored or printed packaging tapes to color code each room - red for the bedroom, blue for the kitchen.

Have help on hand

Moving is hard work, so recruit friends and family to help with packing and unloading on moving day. You'll love showing off your new place, and it'll help with the transition to see that loved ones aren't too far away to make the trip. Just be sure to promise plenty of food and drink as a reward for their hard work.

Put together an "open me first" box with the gear you'll need immediately, such as tools to assemble furniture, cleaning supplies and shelf liner for drawers, closets and kitchen cabinets. Be sure to include some festive treats, like a favorite dessert, so the family can relax and enjoy your new space.  

Moving should be more celebratory than stressful. With just a bit of planning, you can protect the memories you love most, and ensure a successul start to your life in your new home.

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(BPT) - Do dreams of lazy days soaking up the sun have you looking for a way to move the indoors out? Then a deck addition may be the solution. A new porch, patio or multi-level deck can serve as an extension of your home and create personalized spaces for summertime festivities, from easy afternoons spent poolside to late-night cookouts. And, the good news is that easy-to-install decking can mean that you don’t have to be a seasoned do-it-yourselfer to get started.

Advanced materials like wood-plastic composite decking make creating indoor-outdoor spaces a breeze. The deck boards are available in a wide-range of sizes and natural colors, and products with a realistic wood-embossed grain pattern are available to bring the beauty of wood to your deck without the work of sealing, staining or painting. Best of all, brands like ChoiceDek composite decking are easy to install and simple to maintain.

"Many homeowners are surprised to learn how hassle-free composite decking is to install," says Scott Spencer, national account manager for ChoiceDek composite decking. "Uncapped boards can be cut, drilled and screwed with standard tools, and boards with a quality wood-plastic blend throughout the board can even be bent into curves. Today’s homeowners are more than capable of using it to create a timeless extension of their home."

If you’re ready to put hammer to nail and get started, keep in mind these three simple ways to use composite decking to create a beautiful backyard retreat that will last for many summers to come.

1. Create a smooth surface underfoot

One of the keys to building a beautiful outdoor deck-escape is ensuring your deck will have a smooth, barefoot friendly surface. Even the most stunning deck designs can disappoint if nails and screws create unsightly dimples or later pop and create hazards for warm-weather fun. For families with pets or children, composite decking is a great choice since it will not rot or warp causing dangerous cracks and splinters. It’s a choice your feet and pets will appreciate.

2. Vary your design

With today’s high-performance composite deck boards, you don’t need to stick with a basic rectangle deck design. Whether you’re planning a small rooftop getaway or a multi-level deck, you can work the boards to maximize visual impact and enjoyment.

Simply altering the direction of boards can bring small decks to life and add a custom touch to your outdoor space. Variable board placement can also help zone decks into functional outdoor rooms. This is particularly helpful if you’re building a larger deck with designated areas for cooking, eating and relaxing. The secret is not to overdo it. Deck patterns should be well planned, and coordinate with your home’s architectural style.

Another way to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space is to incorporate angles and curves into your deck. Contemporary composite decking materials are much easier to shape into curves than traditional wood decking. With little extra effort, they can be bent for use in benches, stairs, trim and decks with rounded edges. Let your imagination roam, but be sure to check specific manufacturer guidelines since they can vary by brand.

If you need help visualizing your deck design, you can use deck design programs like the one on Lowes.com to explore different layouts and determine material quantities in advance of building.

3. Deck out your living space

Incorporating a few simple deck add-ons can transform your deck into a true outdoor living room. For example, arbors and pergolas can provide shade, while giving you a place to attach speakers, lights and hanging plants. Built-in seating can provide an ideal space for guests to lounge during late night cookouts and can double as storage. Installing lights on the deck’s surface, stairs or on the topside of railings can improve nighttime socializing and increase the safety of your deck.

Safety features like railings can also be transformed from a landscape eyesore into a landscape focal point. Look for composite decking brands that offer complementary posts, post caps, balusters, railing and trim for an easy way to give guests something attractive to lean on.

Paying attention to the small details can work wonders for your deck, and help you create an outdoor vacation space friends and family keep coming back to enjoy.

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(BPT) - Custom cabinetry, granite countertops, reclaimed wood flooring and accents, and top-of-the-line, high-tech appliances - what more do you need to make your kitchen renovation perfect? How about adding an island? Designers and builders across the country are pointing to the addition of an island as the must-have upgrade for kitchen renovations this year.

Homeowners are embracing the island, and what's not to love about it? Adding an island can dramatically alter a kitchen's appearance, provide additional storage space and work area, and create a fresh focal point for family meals. What's more, common challenges that have historically held homeowners back from adding islands - such as the difficulty and high costs associated with adding plumbing drainage in the center of the room - are easier to solve than ever.

Plumbing problem solved

While you could add an island without plumbing, having a sink in an island can improve the workflow in a kitchen and open up counter space elsewhere. Plumbing an island can be problematic, however, if your home is built on a slab or a crawl space. The cost of cutting through concrete and adding piping can be prohibitive.

Above-floor plumbing can solve the problem. Manufacturers like Saniflo make a variety of pumping systems that can eliminate the need to cut concrete and reduce the cost of installing plumbing in a new island. For example, the SANISWIFT gray water pumping system is about the size of a small wastebasket (so it fits easily in an island cabinet space), and comes out of the box fully assembled, reducing installation time and costs.

"Cutting through concrete to install plumbing can easily account for 50 percent of a renovation budget," says Chris Peterson of Saniflo. "Homeowners may decide to abandon the idea of an island altogether when they face that kind of cost. Above-floor plumbing allows them to add an island, hide a single drain pipe in a decorative column, and achieve the kitchen of their dreams at a fraction of the cost of traditional plumbing options."

Top island trends

Islands are increasingly becoming the focal point of kitchen renovations, serving both practical purposes and as design statements.

More homeowners are replacing traditional dining tables and breakfast nooks with spacious islands that feature seating. "Islands are replacing tables," said Audrey Macdonald of Creative Interiors By Audrey in Mississauga, Ontario, in the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2015 Kitchen & Bath Style Report.

In addition to seating, homeowners are incorporating restaurant-quality fittings into islands, adding charging stations for the family's personal digital devices. They're also choosing architectural and design touches such as decorative legs, and countertops and cabinetry that contrast with those around the perimeter of the kitchen.

Kitchen renovations continue to be among the most popular home improvement projects and can offer homeowners a high return on their investments. A major kitchen remodel costing about $56,000 can recoup nearly 68 percent of its cost when you sell your home, while a minor remodel in the range of $19,000 can yield a 79 percent ROI upon resale, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.

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(BPT) - What makes a person or a family decide a home is the perfect for them? Is it all location, location, location? What about price, schools or the neighborhood? Or is it something else; a feeling they get when they walk in the door, a detail they notice or a scent in the air.

If you're selling your home your home, your location, neighborhood and school district are predetermined. Yet there is plenty you can do yourself to make sure your open house has that wow factor and captivates would-be buyers. Here are five tips to get you started so that next family will determine your home is the perfect home.

* Get clean. It sounds simple, but it's amazing how many homeowners don't clean their homes before an open house. This is one case where lived-in isn't going to cut it. The kitchen and bathrooms should be spotless, cracked tiles should be repaired and any plumbing issues should be addressed. Expect that people will try the sinks and flush the toilets. If you don't feel you can get your home ready on your own, hire a professional cleaning service to do the job for you. The money you spend on the cleaners will be well worth it when your house sells quickly.

* Add a fresh sent to the air. Your home should be pleasing to the eye as well as pleasing to the nose. Realtors have recognized the benefits of great smells for years. You can keep your home smelling great throughout the showing – and without synthetic ingredients – by using pure essential oils from Aura Cacia. Try this simple recipe to create a warm, comforting atmosphere that can help put potential property buyers at ease with these recipes:

1 cup coarse-grained, chunky sea salt

1 teaspoon jojoba or grapeseed oil (just enough to make the salts glisten)

25 drops vanilla precious essential oil

10 drops lavender essential oil

10 drops sweet orange essential oil

Mix salt and oils, pour into a decorative dish or bowl and set out on a table. Placing the crystals in a warm sunny window or near a heat register will help diffuse the delicious aroma throughout the room. Stir in additional essential oils to boost the scent as needed.

More recipe ideas and open house tips can be found at www.auracacia.com.

* Time for a makeover. If your home needs a more substantial makeover before it can sell, focus your energy and your money on the most important rooms in the home. Kitchens and master bedrooms sell homes, meaning that a granite countertop, new appliance or fresh coat of bedroom paint will give you a better chance to sell your home than other projects may allow.

* Cut the clutter. Even the cleanest homes still feel messy if there's lots of clutter. Before your open house, adopt a minimalist approach and keep your home as clutter-free as possible. Remember, you want buyers to see the beauty of your home, not simply the items you keep in it.

* Start at the curb. Poor curb appeal can put buyers off to your home before they even step foot inside. Make sure your home's outside is every bit as beautiful as the inside. Paint the exterior if you need to, plant flowers in the flower bed and mow the lawn. Buyers should never walk up to your front door already thinking it's a fixer-upper.

An open house provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your home and help buyers fall in love with. And once they do, they're sure to make your current home their future home.

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(BPT) - As the U.S. housing industry continues to emerge from the Great Recession, signs are pointing toward positive recovery. In fact, a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University states that the home improvement industry could see record spending in 2015. It's news like this that may have you contemplating an update to your house. Even if you plan to stay in your home for years to come, it's important to consider which home remodeling projects offer the potential for a positive return on investment.

"Research shows that more homeowners intend to remain in their homes after remodeling, however, resale value is still a major factor when planning renovations," says Susan Selle, chief marketing officer of exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem Industries.

Before spending a significant amount of time and money on your next home improvement project, consider these tips.

Five home improvements with the highest ROI

The 2015 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report identifies these top five mid-range exterior home renovations as beneficial investments that allow homeowners to recoup a substantial percentage of their investment when they resell their homes:

* Replacing the front door (steel 101.8 percent)

* Adding manufactured stone veneer (92.2 percent)

* Replacing the garage door (88.4 percent)

* Replacing the siding (vinyl 80.7 percent)

* Adding a deck (wood 80.5 percent)

The cost-value ratio compares resale value to construction cost. The higher the percentage, the more of the job costs you are likely to recoup when selling your home.

"Homeowners want lasting value from their exterior renovation projects, so it's important to select the best materials for the job upfront," says Jerry Blais, senior vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Industries. "For example, when choosing siding for the home, vinyl siding provides overall better performance than wood, engineered wood and fiber cement and requires less maintenance both in the short and long term, allowing homeowners to complete their renovation and enjoy it, hassle-free, for years. In addition, vinyl siding provides the styles, textures and stylish colors homeowners want to create beautiful curb appeal."

Budgeting for success

Once you've decided which replacement and remodeling projects will offer the best ROI, develop a schedule and a budget to ensure the home makeover remains financially sound. The budget defines the project's scope, estimates overall costs, and helps to establish priorities. Generally, renovation costs should not exceed 30 percent of your home's value and should be consistent with housing trends in your neighborhood.

What should the budget include? Websites like www.plygem.com offer comprehensive advice for creating a renovation budget and sticking to it. To start, consider these likely-to-occur expenses:

* Contractor costs. These include labor and may incorporate employee benefits, professional fees, permit and inspection charges and, of course, profit. Get at least three contractor estimates to ensure your contractor is cost-effective and reputable.

* DIY costs. Should you forgo a contractor? Keep in mind you will need to rent or buy power tools and equipment and potentially learn new skills.

* Hidden costs. For example, bringing outdated electrical or plumbing installations to code, or removing lead paint.

* Site preparation costs. For exterior renovations, this may include tree trimming, clearing land, and renting a haul-away container.

* Interim housing costs. If you plan to relocate, you will need living expenses for the project's duration.

* Material cost. These include large expenses and small ones (ex. nails, trim) and could account for as much as half to 75 percent of the total cost. Factor in an extra 6-to-10 percent for waste for materials that are cut and fitted.

Bringing it home

If you're interested in near-term resale value, it's important to make sure that selling your home will at least recoup the cost of any completed projects. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, however, you'll not only benefit from an improved resale value down the road, but you're also more likely to appreciate the improved comfort and curb appeal in the meantime.

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(BPT) - In the typical American home, heating and cooling account for 50 to 70 percent of total energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Yet, much of that energy is wasted, leading to higher energy bills for homeowners.

The DOE notes that the leading causes of energy waste in most homes are inadequate insulation and air leakage. Wasted energy costs homeowners hundreds of dollars or more per year and takes a toll on the environment in the form of greater greenhouse gas emissions. But avoiding these wasteful practices is easy with some simple checks to your home and DIY insulation.

“A couple of areas in the home that are notorious for insulation problems are basements and crawlspaces,” says insulation expert, Ram Mayilvahanan of Insulfoam. “Many people discount insulation in their basements and crawl spaces because they are near the ground. However, the connections from crawl spaces, foundations, and ground footings to the actual house are areas that need to be properly insulated and sealed against air leaks. This can account for 30 percent of the heating and cooling energy loss for the average home.”

In crawlspaces and unfinished basements, areas to check for adequate insulation are on the foundation walls and the floor joists. “I was horrified when I first went into the crawlspace and saw the fiberglass insulation falling out of the floor,” says Troy Brown, a Seattle area homeowner. “It might as well not have even been there – and the home was only 20 years old.”

The DOE has developed a “Do-it-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with Energy Star,” which offers tips for creating tighter, well-insulated basements, crawl spaces and even attic hatches using rigid insulation, caulk and cans of expanding spray foam, among other materials.

“An easy, do-it-yourself fix for crawlspace, basement or attic hatch insulation is EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam,” notes Insulfoam’s Mayilvahanan. “EPS rigid foam insulation panels are easy to cut to size and fit into tight spaces, they are lightweight to carry and help keep the home warm, without the mess of fiberglass or loose cellulose fibers.”

As Americans look back on one of the coldest winters on record and get ready for the hot summer months, now is an ideal time to prepare your home for demanding weather conditions. A well-insulated home not only saves you money and reduces pollution, it is more comfortable to live in year-around.

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(BPT) - From wall stains to washing machines, indoor stains and smells can be a challenge to tackle. Luckily, there are surprisingly simple methods to erase them for good. Here are a few tips to freshen up the most stubborn spots in your home.

Conceal wall stains with primer

Have your kids made artwork of your walls, or has your leaky roof caused a water-damaged mess? Tough wall stains like these can be hard to get rid of, but are easily sealed by applying a high-quality, stain-blocking primer. For example, KILZ Hide-All Primer Sealer covers problem areas on surfaces from drywall and woodwork to concrete and brick. It even masks over dark stains without allowing color to bleed through. With only a one-hour drying time before applying a topcoat, this is the perfect one-weekend project to cross off your list. KILZ primer can also seal off odors caused by pets or smoke.

Eliminate refrigerator odors

Refrigerators are subject to a variety of spills and odors. Making time for fridge maintenance can help prevent unusual odors and keep your food fresh longer. To cleanse and polish your fridge, begin by emptying the contents of your fridge and throwing out, recycling or composting any food that is expired or beginning to smell.

Next, pull out any removable drawers or shelving and place them in the sink. Using a damp, soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, wipe down these pieces, the interior of your fridge and the door with a multi-purpose cleaner. Or, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of hot water for a natural soap alternative. Don't forget the seams of the shelves and rubber door seal.

If your fridge requires an extra-deep cleaning, unplug it while you work to avoid wasting energy. Before putting all of your food back into the fridge, wipe down the exterior of each jar or container with a damp cloth. Repeat this process every two or three months for the best results.

Make grout lines shine

Tile surfaces are prone to dirt and debris, especially in bathrooms or high-traffic areas. To keep tile looking fresh and new, grab an old toothbrush or electric toothbrush for a deeper scrub. Before you start, wash the surface with water then mix two parts baking soda with one part water. Scrub the resulting paste into the cracks and crevices, then douse with water again. If the grout lines are stained, spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water onto the area and brush. After a final rinse, the grime will be gone.

Prevent a moldy washing machine

If you own a front-loading washing machine, you've probably noticed the unpleasant smell that can linger after completing a load of laundry. Despite being more energy-efficient, these machines have a tendency to hold odors and harbor mold. To clean and prevent grimy buildup, try this: instead of detergent, cycle two cups of vinegar and a quarter-cup of baking soda on a hot setting. When it's done, use a clean sponge to scrub down the inside. Finally, rinse with a plain-water cycle, and you'll see (and smell) the results.

Whether in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, tricky stains and odors in your home can be a tough job, but with these four tips you'll be able to eliminate a few messy tasks in no time.

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(BPT) - If your home is 10 years old or older, your garage door is probably a plain-Jane raised-panel steel door that adds little or nothing to the overall design of your house.

So why not make an improvement? In the last decade, the garage door industry has generated stunning new designs that can transform the curb appeal of your home from boring to exciting.

Large area = big impact

"When something consumes such a large part of the front of the house, it should not be generic; it should be special," says Michael Walsh, a syndicated home-improvement columnist. "It should improve the looks of the house, not detract from it."

A better-looking garage door can actually parlay into a more-valuable home. One nationwide study of real estate professionals by StrataMark revealed that an attractive new garage door can add as much as 4 percent to the home's selling price. That adds $10,000 to the value of a $250,000 home, which means that a new garage door can easily pay for itself.

Two new designs that dazzle

Chris Long, long-time editor of Door & Operator Industry, a garage door trade magazine, identifies two new garage door designs that are hot right now: woodgrain prints and carriage house styles.

A woodgrain print is a steel garage door that looks so much like wood, you need to thump on it to realize it's actually durable steel. This technological breakthrough by steel coating companies brings big benefits for garage door buyers.

"The rich wood-look of these doors is gorgeous," says Long. "Plus, since they're made of steel, they're incredibly durable and require almost no maintenance."

The other popular new design is the carriage house style. These attractive doors open just like your old door, but they look like the side-hinged, swing-out doors of the charming carriage houses of yesteryear.

Quick design tips

Since both of these new designs come in dozens of attractive styles, here are a few tips to select the one that integrates best with the personality of your home. Design experts advise you to select a door that matches with three exterior features of your home: colors, lines, and shapes.

"The color of your garage door should complement the overall house color as well as the window trim colors," says Gale Steves, former editor-in-chief of Home magazine.

Then look at the lines on your home exterior. Are they horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or curved? Today's garage door styles can provide excellent matches for any of these architectural features.

Finally, consider the shapes of elements on your home, particularly the window panes. Are they arched, square, or small rectangles? Matching the panes on the house with the garage is not that difficult, given the wide variety of garage door window designs now available.

Cool choosing tools

Thanks to new technology, you don't need to guess at the right door design. Most garage door manufacturers now offer door designer tools on their websites. Many door dealers also have similar software on a computer tablet they bring to your home. You just upload a photo of your own home and drop in any of hundreds of door designs to see exactly how it would look on your home.

A good starting place is GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial website that features dozens of garage door photos from many manufacturers. It also includes a find-a-dealer function that helps you find qualified dealers in your area.

Your new garage door is not only a perfect spring home improvement project, it's a smart investment. Celebrity designer Chayse Dacoda says, "You are investing in the single largest moving part on your home, which is going to affect its appearance for at least the next 20 years."

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(BPT) - The big move & it should be in all-caps and announced with a deep, authoritative voice. THE BIG MOVE. And it's coming to your family soon. It might be from one house to another across town, or it might involve crossing many state lines. No matter the distance, amount of belongings or number of people, your big move is going to be a big deal.

There are ways to plan for your move so the big event doesn't overwhelm you. Here are five moving tips from Penske Truck Rental, which has been helping customers complete their big moves for more than 40 years.

1. Less is better – The less you have to move, the easier your move will be on your body and your wallet. It will also be easier to fit everything into your new house. While packing, create three piles. The first is your "must-go" pile. The second is your "must-sell" pile, which includes anything you haven't used in the last year, anything you have multiples of and anything you just don't want any more. The third is the "must-throw" pile, and it contains anything that can't be sold at a garage sale or donated. Start creating these piles now, and it will make moving day much easier.

2. Stock up on supplies – Big boxes might seem like a great idea because they can hold so much stuff, but what happens when you try to lift one and carry it down a flight of steps? Stock up on boxes of multiple sizes, but keep in mind that smaller is much easier to carry. Also stock up on foam and bubble wrap to protect your fragile items, a good supply of packing tape and bold markers for labeling boxes. You’ll also want to have moving blankets and hand trucks to make it easier to transport your items.

3. Rent a truck – One trip makes the big move simple, even if you're just moving across town. Penske Truck Rental guarantees a truck for every reservation. Most movers find the 12- or 16-foot truck perfect for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. For guidance with larger moves or with your truck selection, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com.

4. Pack smart - Load the heaviest items on the truck first. When you've got a sturdy base of the heaviest items, you can start stacking on top. This is when it's handy to list a box’s contents on its side. If you have friends and family helping, they'll know not to set books on top of your china.

5. Safety and security - Trucks are taller, wider, heavier and require more stopping distance than the vehicle you are used to driving. Take extra precaution, especially when the truck is loaded. Watch out for low-hanging tree branches and building overhangs, and use extra caution when cornering. To protect your belongings, park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door. To make sure you've got everything you need on moving day, create a travel bag for keeping important paperwork, credit cards, identification, a change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. For a complete list of moving tips, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com.

As you cross days off on the calendar and the big day approaches, these tips will help you sail through the event with few conflicts. Before you know it, you'll be settled in your new home.

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(BPT) - As the U.S. housing industry continues to emerge from the Great Recession, signs are pointing toward positive recovery. In fact, a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University states that the home improvement industry could see record spending in 2015. It's news like this that may have you contemplating an update to your house. Even if you plan to stay in your home for years to come, it's important to consider which home remodeling projects offer the potential for a positive return on investment.

"Research shows that more homeowners intend to remain in their homes after remodeling, however, resale value is still a major factor when planning renovations," says Susan Selle, chief marketing officer of exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem Industries.

Before spending a significant amount of time and money on your next home improvement project, consider these tips.

Five home improvements with the highest ROI

The 2015 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report identifies these top five mid-range exterior home renovations as beneficial investments that allow homeowners to recoup a substantial percentage of their investment when they resell their homes:

* Replacing the front door (steel 101.8 percent)

* Adding manufactured stone veneer (92.2 percent)

* Replacing the garage door (88.4 percent)

* Replacing the siding (vinyl 80.7 percent)

* Adding a deck (wood 80.5 percent)

The cost-value ratio compares resale value to construction cost. The higher the percentage, the more of the job costs you are likely to recoup when selling your home.

"Homeowners want lasting value from their exterior renovation projects, so it's important to select the best materials for the job upfront," says Jerry Blais, senior vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Industries. "For example, when choosing siding for the home, vinyl siding provides overall better performance than wood, engineered wood and fiber cement and requires less maintenance both in the short and long term, allowing homeowners to complete their renovation and enjoy it, hassle-free, for years. In addition, vinyl siding provides the styles, textures and stylish colors homeowners want to create beautiful curb appeal."

Budgeting for success

Once you've decided which replacement and remodeling projects will offer the best ROI, develop a schedule and a budget to ensure the home makeover remains financially sound. The budget defines the project's scope, estimates overall costs, and helps to establish priorities. Generally, renovation costs should not exceed 30 percent of your home's value and should be consistent with housing trends in your neighborhood.

What should the budget include? Websites like www.plygem.com offer comprehensive advice for creating a renovation budget and sticking to it. To start, consider these likely-to-occur expenses:

* Contractor costs. These include labor and may incorporate employee benefits, professional fees, permit and inspection charges and, of course, profit. Get at least three contractor estimates to ensure your contractor is cost-effective and reputable.

* DIY costs. Should you forgo a contractor? Keep in mind you will need to rent or buy power tools and equipment and potentially learn new skills.

* Hidden costs. For example, bringing outdated electrical or plumbing installations to code, or removing lead paint.

* Site preparation costs. For exterior renovations, this may include tree trimming, clearing land, and renting a haul-away container.

* Interim housing costs. If you plan to relocate, you will need living expenses for the project's duration.

* Material cost. These include large expenses and small ones (ex. nails, trim) and could account for as much as half to 75 percent of the total cost. Factor in an extra 6-to-10 percent for waste for materials that are cut and fitted.

Bringing it home

If you're interested in near-term resale value, it's important to make sure that selling your home will at least recoup the cost of any completed projects. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, however, you'll not only benefit from an improved resale value down the road, but you're also more likely to appreciate the improved comfort and curb appeal in the meantime.

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Improve your home's air quality with your spring-cleaning process

(BPT) - Spring is cleaning season. You've opened the curtains to let in the sunshine, and every cleaning product you have in the house is primed and ready for action.

The whole family has been enlisted to help. The youngest is in charge of wiping all the cobwebs off the floorboards. You have the older children giving the windows a good scrubbing, and your partner is assigned to hit all the hard-to-reach spots with a duster and vacuum hose. No room, piece of furniture or square inch of the house will be spared!

The idea behind spring cleaning is to make your home healthier. You're removing the dirt, dander and dust particles that have accumulated over the winter months, as well as organizing everything for a more efficient lifestyle. But it can be easy to forget that cleaning the air is just as important as the rest of the house. Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports. And did you know that many of the cleaning supplies that will make your floors, windows and furniture sparkle in the spring sunlight can actually pollute your indoor air?

Air quality is very important for homeowners. In fact, 34 percent of Americans are concerned about the air quality in their homes, according to a 2014 study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Additionally, some moms have to worry about health issues like asthma and allergies within the family. Clean indoor air is very important for helping to prevent exposure to triggers like irritants and allergens for children and adults who suffer from these conditions. For those families without these health concerns, clean indoor air should still be a part of the campaign to help your family live as healthily as possible. The study found that more than half of Americans put a least a moderate effort into improving the quality of their indoor air.

Yet many cleaning products are loaded with chemicals to help them sanitize or disinfect. These chemicals might be good for industrial cleaning, but unfortunately, they often aren't so great for indoor air quality at home.

AAFA reviews and certifies household cleaning products like vacuums and cleaning solutions that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies, as well as anyone wanting to promote healthy and clean indoor air in their home. For families with a loved one suffering from asthma or allergies, this is very important because poor indoor air can trigger asthma attacks or allergy flair-ups. The asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Mark is only awarded to cleaning products that meet AAFA’s tough Certification Standards.

New products are consistently certified and added to www.aafa.org/certified. So as you plan your household spring-cleaning campaign, be sure to consider Certified asthma & allergy friendly products that will clean your house, and help keep your indoor air clean as well.

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(BPT) - It's a cruel coincidence that the spring's real-estate buying season corresponds with another far less pleasant one - termite swarming season. When eager homebuyers emerge from winter hibernation to look for their dream homes, winged termites emerge, too, and swarms of them go in search of new places to establish their colonies.

"Termites cause about $5 billion in property damage every year - damage that typically isn't covered by homeowners' insurance policies," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). "In spring, swarms emerge in every state except Alaska. Potential homebuyers need to be aware of the risks associated with termite damage, and of the importance of having any home they're considering inspected for termites and other wood-destroying organisms."

More than half of Americans (52 percent) have never had their homes inspected for termites, according to an NPMA survey. Yet 38 percent worry about discovering termites in their homes and 33 percent have had termite damage or know someone who has, the survey found.

If you'll be buying (or selling) a home this spring, the NPMA offers some valuable termite information:

* The average homebuyer and homeowner might have difficulty spotting the evidence of a termite infestation. Termites chew through wood, flooring and other materials behind-the-scenes, so it can take years before the signs of an infestation are visible to the untrained eye. An inspection by a licensed pest professional is the best way to detect an infestation of wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) - especially if you live in a termite-prone area of the country.

* A WDO inspection is different from a simple structural inspection. Buyers may assume that the person who does the pre-purchase home inspection will look for termites while assessing the condition of the home's physical structure and systems. While some inspectors might spot signs of termite damage, others will not. Buyers should be sure to have their prospective home inspected by a licensed pest professional. The inspection will last about an hour, and the specialist will probe the home from top to bottom to look for telltale signs of termite damage. After the inspection is over, the specialist will report to the buyers what he or she has found, and an estimate of how much it might cost to remediate any termite damage he or she has discovered.

* Different states have varying laws about termite inspections. Some may require one before a home can be sold, while others do not. Check with your realtor about the laws in your state, and keep in mind that many lenders will require a pest inspection be done in addition to a structural inspection - especially if the home you are buying is in a termite-prone area.

* Termite detection, remediation and control are not do-it-yourself tasks. If an inspector finds signs of a termite infestation and damage, you'll need professionals to remedy the problem. Buyers who discover problems before the sale is final will be better able to negotiate with the seller to take care of the problem. In some states, the law may not allow the sale to be finalized until the damage is addressed, and lenders may refuse to finalize a mortgage for a home with unresolved termite issues.

If the termite inspection shows your new home is pest-free, congratulations! After the sale is finalized, be sure to take steps to protect your home from termites going forward, including having the home inspected for termites at least once every three years, and every year if you live in an area prone to termite infestations. To learn more about termite prevention or to find a licensed pest professional in your area, visit www.pestworld.org, the education website of the NPMA.

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(BPT) - The carriage house garage door is to your house what the little black dress and strand of pearls are to your wardrobe; classic style elements that never go out of fashion.

At the dawn of the automobile age, those who were affluent enough to own a car kept it in the carriage house, where the horses and buggy would have been stored. But this cohabitation became a little, well, smelly, and the need for separate storing structures was soon realized.

Enter, the garage. Built in the style of the original carriage house, the garage’s sole intent was to store the car away from the animals and elements. The word garage actually comes from the French word, garer, which means to shelter and protect. Naturally, the garage needed a door to offer protection to the automobile. The ensuing “carriage house door” was a hinged, double door that swung outwards, and can be considered the original garage door.

In the early 1920s, the kickout door was invented and progress continued from there, bringing homeowners the modern convenience of today’s overhead garage doors. Today’s carriage house sectional garage doors open overhead and continue to gain in popularity, constituting 35 percent of the volume in the garage door industry with projections to remain a huge trend.

When it comes to the style of garage door chosen, most homeowners want something classic, that won’t fade in popularity over the years and will also enhance curb appeal. This is especially true if home resale is a factor.

The carriage house door also offers a myriad of design elements. For example, the Classica Collection by Amarr offers a dual-directional wood grain design that provides the realistic look of wood with the practicality and low-maintenance upkeep of steel. With a three-section design and the option of larger windows, this door offers a more authentic carriage house look with the benefit of additional natural light flow into your garage. Two-tone looks are also available with many color combinations and panel designs, and hardware and window choices are plentiful. These different design options can be tailored specifically to your home’s façade and will further enhance curb appeal.

If you’re thinking of replacing a tired garage door in an effort to boost your home’s curb appeal, consider the classic carriage house door whose popularity has only continued to grow over the last century. With a timeless design that can be specifically tailored to your house, it’s a choice that both you – and future owners of your home – can happily live with for a long time.

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(BPT) - Springtime represents new beginnings and is the prime time to get the house in order. Whether you're looking to make a first-time purchase, refresh an existing home or simply leverage built-up equity for other reasons, it's important to figure out which path is right for you and understand the lending options available.

Fortunately, Regions Bank and many other financial institutions offer various free online tools and calculators to help consumers get a grip on their budgets and get the best financing for their needs.

First-time home buyers have an excellent opportunity to make their move now, as interest rates remain historically low.

First, buyers must start with determining what is affordable. In addition to the mortgage payment, housing costs will include property taxes, homeowners insurance and fees, such as homeowner association dues. Altogether, costs should be no more than 28 percent of monthly gross income and should leave room to continue servicing other debt, such as student loans, credit cards or auto loans.

When preparing to buy a home, work through credit pre-approval to be ready with a strong offer when the opportunity arises. In addition to reviewing credit history, a loan originator will consider the amount of the down payment. A down payment typically ranges from 3 to 20 percent, and one that is less than 20 percent may require you to purchase mortgage insurance. A mortgage originator, however, can provide a variety of lending options to optimize your investment, from 15- and 30-year mortgages to fixed and variable terms.

If the change in seasons is prompting an urge to make some improvements to a much-loved residence, consider financing the updates through a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Eligibility depends on how much equity has been built up in the home and the lender's loan-to-value ratio. A HELOC works much like a credit card and offers flexibility. A minimum amount is paid monthly, and interest applies to the amount borrowed.

Before embarking on a remodeling project, do some homework. Start with the lender to determine the value of the home and the loan amount available. Then, establish a budget, leaving room for unexpected expenses. Work with a reputable professional to define the project and its requirements, and shop around for bids and recommendations to confidently select a contractor. Some lenders offer checklists to help get the most from the investment.

Another option for financing a project through a home's equity is a home equity loan (HELOAN). As with a mortgage, the loan is granted as a lump sum and is paid back in installments over time, typically 10 to 15 years and at a fixed rate locked in at the time of securing the loan. A HELOAN works well for a one-time goal to improve the value of a home. Be mindful that either a HELOAN or a HELOC introduce some uncertainty, as monthly expenses will increase and must be maintained to avoid foreclosure risk.

Remember to consult a professional for advice applicable to your specific situation. Start with a lender who can help you identify financial options available to home buyers and owners today. With careful planning and budgeting, the financing you need may be well within reach.

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(BPT) - It's rare to get something right the very first time you try it, but when it comes to buying your first home, a lack of knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes. One in four first-time homebuyers say they are completely unfamiliar with the mortgage financing process, according to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Even among those with an understanding of the overall process, the report found that many first time homebuyers still had significant knowledge gaps in important areas such as available mortgage rates, closing costs, down-payment requirements and income required to qualify for a loan.

"Not having all the information available could lead to consumers paying a higher interest rate or failing to secure an affordable mortgage for the home they want," says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. "While most first-time homebuyers understand the importance of their credit report score in securing a mortgage, it's important they arm themselves with comprehensive knowledge. Fortunately, there's plenty of useful information out there for borrowers who want to do their homework before diving into the loan process."

Vanderbilt Mortgage offers eight tips for first-time homebuyers:

1. Adjust your budget. A mortgage payment can increase your monthly housing expenses, so prepare by calculating what that amount will be and begin saving that same amount every month so you can get used to the budget change in advance. Use a free online payment calculator to help you predict your payment and understand your current debt-to-income ratio.

2. Plan for a down payment. Nearly all home loans will require you to put some money down as a down payment. Some home loans may require as much as 20 percent of the purchase cost as a down payment, although some Federal Housing Administration loans may require less. Decide on the amount you think you'll need and create a savings plan to help you reach that goal.

3. Consider the location and type of home you want to buy. Many factors influence the cost of a home, including its location, size, style and more. A larger home in a high-income area will generally cost more, and property taxes will be higher on a bigger, newer, well-located home. Many first-time homebuyers find manufactured or mobile homes are a good option. Knowing the estimated cost of the type of home you want to purchase can help you better manage your budget.

4. Stay on top of your credit. Lenders will consider your credit score and report history when determining your mortgage eligibility and the interest rate they may offer you. Make sure to review your credit report in advance. You can download a free credit report once a year from all three major bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com. If you're planning to apply for a mortgage, it's a good idea to review your report more frequently and to consider paying to obtain your credit score from at least one major bureau. If your report contains errors, work with the credit bureaus to have them corrected before you apply for a mortgage.

5. Keep current on monthly bills. While it's important to save toward a down payment, don't let monthly bills slide. Paying your bills on time every month can help increase your credit score, and a good payment history is something lenders look for when reviewing your credit report. Use online tools like email reminders and automatic payment options to help ensure you never miss or make a late payment.

6. Work on your debt. If you have delinquent balances, bring them up to date as quickly as possible. If you carry a lot of revolving credit card debt, you may want to work to reduce it by paying more than the monthly minimum payment. While it helps to have a report that shows no late payments, the most important thing is to not have any delinquent balances before you apply for a mortgage.

7. Plan for escrow. In addition to the amount you will need each month toward repaying your mortgage, you'll need escrow - an amount added to and collected with each monthly mortgage payment that is applied toward annual homeowners' insurance premiums and/or taxes. Estimating taxes and total insurance costs can help you better understand how much your escrow will be each month, and you'll be able to budget more accurately as you prepare for home ownership. Don't forget that this amount may adjust every twelve months if your insurance premium or taxes change for the next year.

8. Take advantage of educational resources. From lenders' websites to government agencies, it's easy to find plenty of information online. Check out resources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration.

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(BPT) - When buying a first home, most people are making one of the biggest purchases of their lives. Without home buying experience, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.

“Buying a first home can be exciting and stressful for most young buyers, especially the financing process,” says Clete Thompson, vice president at imortgage, a division of loanDepot LLC. “There’s a lot of paperwork, many choices, and sometimes budgets don’t stretch very far. Our licensed loan officers specialize in helping first-time buyers navigate the home finance process, which can be stressful if you’re not working with a seasoned professional.”

To help first-time buyers, the experts at imortgage are uncovering prevalent myths about financing a home purchase:

Myth: It takes a 20 percent down payment to buy a home.

Reality: Required down payment amounts vary by type of loan and they are on average much smaller than people think. Last year, the median down payment for all first-time buyers was 6 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors. One reason is that many first-time buyers use FHA loans, which require down payments as low as 3 to 3.5 percent. VA loans require nothing down for qualified veterans or active military personnel. If you want to take out a conventional loan, many lenders do require 20 percent down, but you can lower that percentage with private mortgage insurance. There are also hundreds of down payment assistance programs that eliminate or reduce down payment requirements for qualified borrowers.

Myth: If you owe a lot of student loan debt, there is no way you can get a mortgage.

Reality: Don’t assume that having a lot of student loan debt automatically disqualifies you from getting a mortgage. The key factor is not necessarily the size of your loan obligation, but the amount of your total monthly debt payments compared to your monthly income. This is called DTI. imortgage, for example, has approved thousands of loans to first-time buyers whose monthly student loan payments were as high as $300, and many more could qualify by increasing their monthly income.

Myth: If your credit score is low, you should not even try to get a mortgage.

Reality: Millions of potential buyers assume they will not be approved for a mortgage even though many could qualify, according to a national survey commissioned by loanDepot LLC. Today, median FICO scores for mortgages to buy a home are 683 for FHA loans and 754 for conventional loans. But hundreds of thousands of buyers with scores lower than those are getting mortgages if they have good income and low levels of debt.

Myth: Buying a home isn’t a good investment.

Reality: Real estate, like other assets, rises and falls based on supply and demand. Over the past two years, home values in most markets have been rising. While all real estate is local, if you bought a home in March 2012, by August 2014 the national median home price as measured by Case-Shiller had risen 29.6 percent.

Myth: The mortgage-interest tax deduction is going away.

Reality: Though the deduction has its critics, most observers believe it is unlikely that Congress will eliminate the mortgage interest deduction any time soon. Many states also allow homeowners to write off the interest they pay on their mortgages from their state income taxes. Check with your accountant or CPA on if you can qualify for this type of tax deduction.

Myth: I’m about to get married and the wedding is so expensive I won’t be able to buy a home.

Reality: According to TheKnot, the average wedding has 138 guests who typically give a gift valued at $100 each. That’s $13,800 in spatulas, baking pans and other things. If every guest contributed to a Down Payment Fund, you could have enough saved for a down payment on a $276,000 home in San Diego.

“These are just a few of the myths about home buying that surface frequently in our conversations with first-time buyers,” says Thompson. “I always advise potential buyers, especially first- time buyers, to get in touch with one of our local imortgage loan officers if they’re interested in straight answers to specific questions about financing a home. We are here to help.”

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(BPT) - Do your kitchen and bathrooms look a bit drab? If you don't have the time or budget for a full remodel, there are still many simple updates you can do to refresh these spaces and invigorate each with impressive style. From affordable faucet updates to pretty paints, each takes one day or less to complete, instantly providing a dramatic effect.

Freshen the faucet
Almost anyone who enters the bathroom or kitchen will use the faucet, which means it's a functional focal point of the space. Installing a new faucet is a simple way to redefine interior design and reflect your own personal style. The new line of Kohler faucets available at Home Depot offers exceptional quality at an affordable price. For example, set the ambience in your bathroom with the Georgeson line of faucets, inspired by the Gatsby era with chic detailing and unique shapes to provide a decorative, eclectic touch. For those who prefer traditional silhouettes, the Mistos kitchen faucet's soft lines and classic aesthetic provide a timeless, upscale look.

Update hardware and accessories
Cabinet hardware and other accessories do for a room what jewelry does for an outfit – they provide the finishing touches that really elevate the space. Fortunately, it's simple and economical to swap out dated hardware for new handles, knobs and pulls. Popular metal finishes include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome. For bathrooms, update accessories to match your new Kohler faucet – each line includes coordinating accessories like towel bars, showerheads and tub fillers.

Experiment with paint
Paint is one of the most affordable ways to dramatically change the look and energy of a space. If you have dated tile, research if tile paint is an option for your kitchen or bath. Don't be afraid to experiment with color – a rich or vivid color on a focal wall can add instant style, like on the wall behind the tub or stove. Don't forget the fifth wall: a fresh white ceiling instantly brightens the area and visually heightens the room, which can make the space feel larger and more modern.

Frame the mirror
Every bathroom has a mirror, and some kitchens and adjacent dining spaces feature mirrors as well. A mirror provides a focal point while reflecting light to make it appear brighter. But if you have a builder-grade mirror, you're probably longing for more style. Instead of investing in a costly new mirror, simply add a new frame around your current one. You can buy a prefabricated frame or create one yourself fairly easily from supplies at your local craft store. Your boring old mirror will be transformed immediately into an upscale alternative.

Swap light fixtures and bulbs
If your current bathroom and kitchen light fixtures evoke nostalgia from a lost era, it's time for a swap. Pick out a new overhead fixture to instantly dress up the room – modern chandeliers, track lighting and recessed lighting are popular options. For bathrooms, installing task lighting by the mirror can help streamline daily routines. Keep in mind, cool, bright white bulbs with a high color-rendering index (CRI) closely reflect natural light and therefore are a good option for bathrooms as well as cooking spaces.

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(BPT) - You've reached your breaking point. You've tripped over the same thing in the living room too many times. Now you've picked it up to finally put it away and you realize - you have nowhere to put it. You have too much clutter in your home. So what do you do? How do you decide where to start so you can reduce the clutter in your home and make your walkways safe once more?

Getting started is easier than you think. If you want to take control of clutter, get a few boxes - start with one for each room in your home and begin organizing one room at a time.

Begin this initiative by removing everything on top of your cabinets, tables and in bookcases, and then place it all in a box, says Keith McCleary, academic director of &Interior Design at The Art Institute of York - Pennsylvania. If there are other random accessories in the room, remove those, too. Keep just the basic furnishings. Now sit with the room in its simplest form for a short time.

"In room design, make good decisions about what you choose to put in the room and, often more importantly, in what you choose to leave out," McCleary says. "Simplicity and clean lines make a room feel livable, and that's what it's really all about: comfortable living." Think about the kind of focal point you're trying to create. How should you orchestrate this space and show off your special pieces in terms of size, scale, color and texture?

After a day or two has passed, go back to the box and look for items that define your personality, or will be noticed by guests visiting your home. "Ask yourself: when is enough, enough?" says McCleary. "Each piece of furniture in the room can function to complement. Accessories and works of art should contrast."

When you look at your well-designed room, you should see positive elements, as well as appreciate the possibility for negative space by removing unnecessary pieces that don't add to the design composition.

Interior design students at The Art Institute of York - Pennsylvania are taught to help their clients step back and ask themselves: Is it finished now? You can err when you go shopping and purchase nice pieces for your home, because before long you may have accumulated too many of those nice things. Take a hard look at some of those things you don't really want or need; it might be time to share that stuff with your local Goodwill.

Sometimes, you might think you have to keep memorabilia or outdated gifts from Aunt Ethel in your home all the time. "Not so," says McCleary. "It's perfectly acceptable to remove those items when you do your box exercise." If you get a call from Auntie when she plans her next visit, head to the attic and put those old Beanie Babies she gave you when you were a fanatical collector decades ago on a shelf in your den - temporarily. She'll be happy for the gesture. When she leaves, feel free to put them back in the box of memories until her next visit.

After you complete this exercise in each room in your home, you'll notice that the clutter has disappeared. Now you can recognize how attractive the remaining items are in that same space. This initiative takes determination and focus, but when you've completed the exercise, your focus can be on the lovely space you've recreated. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

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(BPT) - One of the top trends driving today's housing market is the demand for energy-efficient homes that don't sacrifice comfort for quality. If you're looking to purchase a new home, green features can save money both now and in the future, with numerous earth-friendly benefits. Here's what is trending for 2015 and beyond.

Functional Spaces
Homebuyers are looking to get more functionality out of less space and often discover downsizing is a viable option for both young families and empty-nesters. Modular or manufactured homes, like those from Clayton Homes, are gaining popularity. Homebuyers enjoy thoughtful modern designs that maximize space and functionality, plus the waste from building an entire house in a controlled environment is minimal – typically fitting into just two 30-gallon drums or less.

ENERGY STAR
Many of those on the market for a home are seeking ENERGY STAR certification, meaning the home meets stringent requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR certified homes from Clayton Homes cost less to heat and cool, are quieter, more durable and have better indoor air quality. Learn more at www.claytonhomes.com/energy_star.cfm. Energy savings options available on Clayton Homes include low-e windows, additional insulation and advanced heating and cooling options.

Low-E windows
Windows are an investment that pays dividends for many years to come. Buyers are demanding at least double-paned options with low emissivity, also known as low-e, advanced window coatings that help retain heat during winter and keep it out during summer. This microscopic layer also blocks damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furniture.

Effective insulation
Homebuyers are asking about extra insulation in homes, including the walls, roof and flooring. Properly installed insulation that meets or exceeds national code requirements helps better regulate a home's temperature so the furnace and air conditioner don't have to work harder than necessary. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.

Advanced heating and cooling features
According to a 2009 RECS Survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating accounts for 41.5 percent of the average household's energy consumption, which is why homebuyers seek atmosphere controlling features that can cut this number dramatically. More efficient and properly sized heating and cooling systems, such as a heat pump, use less energy, which makes the home much more energy efficient throughout.

Smart lighting alternatives
Homebuyers are demanding energy-efficient options to save money and energy. According to the EPA, CFL light bulbs use less energy than many other types, which makes them a smart option for an energy-efficient home.

Tight construction
It's not just what you can see that makes a house green, it's the process itself that can make a big difference. That's why tight construction and tight ducts are a must when building a home. Builders must pay close attention to detail by sealing all holes, cracks and seams in ducts and construction assemblies. This helps to eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests and pollen, plus boosts comfort while lowering maintenance costs.

With today's advanced technology, homebuyers can reduce their energy use and expenditure with an ENERGY STAR Clayton Home. A wide variety of energy efficient models and options are available and homes can be easily customized to suit a family's specific needs.

(BPT) - You know that moving into a new home can be one of life's biggest stressors - the packing, the paperwork, the unpacking and of course finding the nearest coffee shop. Making your new house feel like your home can help alleviate some of this stress and provide a safe-haven for some much needed relaxation.

“Everyone has a different sense of what home is,” says Elizabeth Lindmier of The Art Institute of Colorado. So while the same aesthetic won’t work for everyone, she offers her top five tips to start you in the right direction.

1. Texture and textiles – Instead of having a bunch of hard surfaces, cozy up your home with something soft or textured. This could be a blanket, curtains or area rugs. These items will also provide some acoustical value so noises aren’t echoing in an empty space.

2. Comfort – Have some place in your home where you can relax, recharge and feel at ease. “Make a space where you would like to spend time,” Lindmier says.

3. Color – A monochromatic scheme with pops of colors can bring you into a place where you feel comfortable and happy. “Do your research on color theory before painting any space,” says Lindmier. “Different colors can spark different moods, emotions and even behavior. Discover what you’d like a given space to accomplish, and use colors as a tool to create such environment.”

4. Lighting – There should be aesthetically pleasing lighting. Look at the difference between warm and cool lighting colors to decide what helps achieve the look you want. Also consider task, ambient and accent lighting for your space. “Lighting plays a key role in any home,” Lindmier says. “Through lighting design you can highlight design and architectural features, create lighting which is more useful to the human eye, and work with natural light while keeping energy use to a minimum.”

5. Clutter/stuff – “Less is more, but make it more meaningful,” says Lindmier. Get rid of your clutter. When sitting in your space, make sure you can look around and adore the things you see.

"Mies van der Rohe's old adage, 'less is more,' certainly holds true here," says Jackie Barry, Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston - North. "Select significant pieces of furniture and art to move. You don't need to have or show everything you have all in one room."

Barry also advises incorporating a concept called biophilic design, which recognizes the inherent need of humans to interact and affiliate with nature to achieve and maintain optimum health and well-being. "Bring the outside in; don't neglect good views to the outside, accentuate them," she says. "Let your garden and landscaping work for you on the inside. Connecting with nature can also have a calming and a comforting effect."

For more information about The Art Institutes, visit artinstitutes.edu.

(BPT) - You know that moving into a new home can be one of life's biggest stressors - the packing, the paperwork, the unpacking and of course finding the nearest coffee shop. Making your new house feel like your home can help alleviate some of this stress and provide a safe-haven for some much needed relaxation.

“Everyone has a different sense of what home is,” says Elizabeth Lindmier of The Art Institute of Colorado. So while the same aesthetic won’t work for everyone, she offers her top five tips to start you in the right direction.

1. Texture and textiles – Instead of having a bunch of hard surfaces, cozy up your home with something soft or textured. This could be a blanket, curtains or area rugs. These items will also provide some acoustical value so noises aren’t echoing in an empty space.

2. Comfort – Have some place in your home where you can relax, recharge and feel at ease. “Make a space where you would like to spend time,” Lindmier says.

3. Color – A monochromatic scheme with pops of colors can bring you into a place where you feel comfortable and happy. “Do your research on color theory before painting any space,” says Lindmier. “Different colors can spark different moods, emotions and even behavior. Discover what you’d like a given space to accomplish, and use colors as a tool to create such environment.”

4. Lighting – There should be aesthetically pleasing lighting. Look at the difference between warm and cool lighting colors to decide what helps achieve the look you want. Also consider task, ambient and accent lighting for your space. “Lighting plays a key role in any home,” Lindmier says. “Through lighting design you can highlight design and architectural features, create lighting which is more useful to the human eye, and work with natural light while keeping energy use to a minimum.”

5. Clutter/stuff – “Less is more, but make it more meaningful,” says Lindmier. Get rid of your clutter. When sitting in your space, make sure you can look around and adore the things you see.

"Mies van der Rohe's old adage, 'less is more,' certainly holds true here," says Jackie Barry, Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston - North. "Select significant pieces of furniture and art to move. You don't need to have or show everything you have all in one room."

Barry also advises incorporating a concept called biophilic design, which recognizes the inherent need of humans to interact and affiliate with nature to achieve and maintain optimum health and well-being. "Bring the outside in; don't neglect good views to the outside, accentuate them," she says. "Let your garden and landscaping work for you on the inside. Connecting with nature can also have a calming and a comforting effect."

For more information about The Art Institutes, visit artinstitutes.edu.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

(BPT) - When you’re about to buy a house, it’s easy to get excited about its great location, spacious floor plan or beautifully decorated interior. Yet the old saying, “beauty’s only skin deep” can apply to any home, especially if you’re considering an older, previously owned property. Before signing on the dotted line, use this checklist to help avoid some potentially costly surprises and anticipate repairs or upgrades that may be needed.      

Start at the top: the roof

Ask when the current roof was installed. Is it the original roof, or has it been replaced, repaired, or covered over with new shingles in certain spots? Are there known leaks, and if so, where are they? Have any of the leaks caused damage to the attic or interior? Also look at the chimney to see if it’s properly sealed around the edges and whether the gutters need repair.

Windows and doors

Next, take a look at the windows to see if there is any condensation between the glass panes. If so, it could mean window replacements are in order. Once you get inside the house and close the front door, see if any light is coming through between the edge of the door opening and the wall. This gap is an indicator that the door may need to be replaced since air can escape through it and cause higher energy bills.  

Lighting and electrical

Throughout the interior rooms, many homes are “staged” to appeal to buyers with attractive lighting that shows off the space to its best advantage. You may love the way the lamps look in the bedroom, office or kitchen, but more importantly, check out how many electrical outlets there are and whether they are in convenient locations. Also, make sure you check to see if the lamps are masking the fact that there are no ceiling fixtures in each room. Will you need to rig up extension cords or invest in electrical work in order to support all the lamps, ceiling fixtures, appliances and electronics you wish to use?

Get to the bottom of furnace efficiency

At the basement level, be sure to check out the heating system. If the current furnace is more than 10 years old, it may be operating at a much lower level of efficiency than the latest manufacturing standards require, resulting in higher energy costs. Newer models, such as Trane’s XC95m gas furnace, for example, can operate at nearly 20 percent higher efficiency than the government minimum standard, for the ultimate in energy efficiency. A qualified Trane dealer can advise you on the best solution for any home.

Know what you can’t see: indoor air quality

One thing you can’t see is the quality of the home’s indoor air. Nearly 72 trillion particles enter a home every day, making the air inside up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Adding a Trane CleanEffects Air Cleaner to the heating and cooling system can remove 99.98 percent of airborne particles including dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease, and even bacteria from the filtered air – so everyone in your new home can breathe easier.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

(BPT) - A remodeling project is one of the most invigorating lifestyle changes a homeowner can make. However, trusting a contractor with both your home and your money can feel overwhelming. Spare your time, money and sanity by following these steps for choosing the best remodeling contractor:

1. Decide what you want out of your newly remodeled home. Start thinking about goals, amenities and a rough timeline, making sure you can clearly articulate your ideas to a contractor. Idea centers, such as Houzz or the James Hardie Photo Showcase, can serve as inspiration for kick-starting your remodeling project. This phase is also ideal for researching sustainable building products. By using green products, homeowners save money on heating and cooling costs, and builders can decrease construction’s carbon footprint.

2. Ask for advice. You’re not the first person to remodel your home, so don’t go through the process alone. Talk to friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers about their remodeling experiences. In addition to collecting referrals, ask targeted questions about how those contractors communicated throughout the process and mitigated any setbacks. If you know a building inspector, ask which contractors regularly meet code requirements.

3. Research and contact businesses. Start gathering information on your referrals and local prospects by visiting their websites or making phone calls. Make sure these remodeling contractors have the required licenses, liability insurance and ability to obtain local permits for your project. Most will also tell you if they belong to a professional association such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or National Association of Homebuilders. For exterior remodeling, the James Hardie Building Products website includes a contractor locator tool homeowners can use to search for reputable contractors. The Better Business Bureau also issues warnings about those that might not be trustworthy. Through your research, select three to five potential contractors.

4. Set up meetings with contractors. After identifying your top candidates, schedule face-to-face meetings with each to discuss your project. Ask questions and make sure communication is fluid and straight-forward. How many projects does the contractor handle at one time? Are his or her past projects similar in scope to yours? More of these questions can be found at the James Hardie Hire a Pro resource center. If you find a particular meeting goes especially well, ask for references and a bid on your project.

5. Compare bids and references. Think of this step as putting the finishing touches on your selection process. When contacting references, ask them to rate their satisfaction with the project. Did the contractor meet time and budget requirements? As soon as the bids come in, look at the cost breakdown of labor and building materials. The best contractor is not always the cheapest. Now’s the time to find out if a contractor uses the best quality products that meet your budget. For instance, does he or she install fiber cement siding on home exteriors, or, opt for the cheaper, less durable vinyl siding? Make sure contractors are choosing long-lasting products that will stand the test of time.

6. Choose your contractor and sign a contract. With all of your research on hand, select the best contractor for your project. After confirming with the contractor, draw up a contract that includes a description of the work, products to be used, cost and completion dates and let the project begin.

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(BPT) - Americans are renovating again, and instead of letting resale value alone drive their renovation choices, in 2014 homeowners are weighing many more factors. They are seeking renovations that are beautiful, luxurious and eco-friendly, and that both enhance resale value and their ability to age in place should they choose not to sell down the road.

In a recent survey by real estate website Houzz, 41 percent of American homeowners said they were more likely to remodel than move over the next two years. The renovation motivators included the desire to improve the look and feel of their spaces (78 percent), improve functionality (54 percent), boost home value (52 percent) and improve overall energy efficiency.

A Dwell Insights Group survey confirms the importance today’s homeowners place on good design. The survey found that respondents were cost and value conscious, environmentally aware and at the forefront of trends. What’s more, 44 percent said they planned a major home renovation over the next 12 months.

Across all demographic groups, bathroom renovations continue to be among the most popular projects, affording one of the highest returns on investment at the time of resale, Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report indicates. The value of a bathroom remodel increased 10 percent in 2014, the magazine reports, and a mid-range project recoups nearly 73 percent of the investment; an upscale bathroom remodel returns nearly 64 percent of its cost.

Bathrooms have long been a focal point where function, luxury and enjoyment converge in American houses. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation, here are some key points to keep in mind:

Conservation meets style

The green movement continues to gain momentum across virtually every aspect of American life, and home improvement is certainly no exception. Yet, environmentally aware homeowners are unwilling to sacrifice quality and beauty to go green – and they don’t have to, either.

High-efficiency, eco-friendly, water-saving designs can be found in every key bathroom fixture from faucets and showers to commodes and bathtubs. Manufacturers like TOTO are creating smartly designed products that offer clean, comfortable refreshment in timeless designs meshed perfectly with leading-edge technology.

Inspired by the beautiful lines of the Art Deco era, TOTO’s Connelly Widespread Lavatory Faucet exemplifies the marriage of timeless design and good water sense. Available in a variety of popular finishes including polished chrome, polished nickel and brushed nickel, the high-efficiency faucet consumes just 1.5 gallons of water per minute – qualifying it for the WaterSense label – without sacrificing performance.

Technology, good looks and conservation also characterize the NEOREST 550H dual-flush toilets. Auto-open/close, auto-flush and an integrated warm-water cleansing system and warm air dryer make these products luxurious and intelligent choices; as more Americans seek to age in place, such enhancements can make personal care easier and more comfortable now—and  as homeowners grow older and their abilities change.

Forward-looking luxury

Fifty-four percent of homeowners say they will renovate to make their homes more functional, and 20 percent to accommodate changing lifestyle needs, according to the Houzz survey. Americans embrace the idea of remaining independent in their own homes for as long as they can; 90 percent of people 65 and older say they want to stay in their homes as long as possible, according to AARP.

Additionally, many homeowners don’t wish to sacrifice beauty, efficiency and luxury in order to accommodate the mobility and ability changes associated with growing older. Bathroom renovations afford them the opportunity to create a space that is both appealing and secure.

When renovating a bathroom with an eye toward luxury and aging in place, homeowners are incorporating features that can adapt to their changing needs. Lighting, flooring and fixtures can all influence how welcoming a bathroom is now and how practical it will be as its users age. Products like TOTO’s Aimes Ceiling-Mount Showerhead with LED Lighting blend classic style with luxury and practicality. The ceiling-mounted design ensures a relaxing rainfall experience, and the Ecopower LED lighting system provides gentle, soothing illumination.

While resale value will always be a consideration when renovating, greater availability of energy-efficient, beautiful products is making it easier for homeowners to also meet their other renovation goals – including creating a beautiful space that will age gracefully.

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(BPT) - Can the look and condition of your roof affect the resale value and curb appeal of your home? What about your window frames, entry door or shutters? The answer is absolutely.

This year building product companies are urging homeowners to focus on improving their home's exterior. Investing in key products now can make your home more marketable in the future.

Sixty-one percent of homeowners say that when house hunting or designing their home, the most attention-grabbing exterior feature was the style of the home, according to the 2011 DaVinci Roofscapes’ Homeowners Exterior Preferences Study conducted by Harris Interactive. This was followed by how the house looked on the property (43 percent).

And, when it comes to adding curb appeal to a home, color counts. Fifty-nine percent of homeowners place a lot of emphasis on the role that color plays when they think about replacing major exterior home features.

"To enhance curb appeal it's all about creating 'top down' color by working from the roof down through the different elements of the exterior such as siding, windows, trim and doors," says Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color. "For example, a colonial style home with a warm Autumn Blend polymer shake roof could be ideally matched with a home exterior in a neutral stone color.

"Then, add pops of color for curb appeal, such as chocolate brown vinyl window frames, like those available from Simonton Windows. Shutters and trim around the home could use the same deep brown color. A stand-out color like pine green or marine blue would then be added to the entry door to add personality to the exterior."

Smith, who has authored the free online FRESH Home Exterior Colors and FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior guides, spends a good deal of her time advising homeowners, remodelers and builders on selecting the perfect colors for the exterior of the home.

"It's important to remember that it all starts on the roof," says Smith. "When you're working top down with unlimited color options from a company like DaVinci Roofscapes, a homeowner has an open palette for designing the perfect home exterior."

Smith recommends that other key factors to enhance curb appeal can be found by selecting products for the home that are easily painted and maintained. "For me, it's all about adding color to easy-care products," says Smith. "That's one reason why I like Fypon decorative millwork pieces so much. These smooth polyurethane pieces come primed and ready to paint. We're talking about shutters, louvers, door and window trim, balustrade systems and even brackets and mouldings to increase the exterior appeal of a home.

"And, of course, nothing pops with color like the front door. I recommend homeowners consider stylish and paintable fiberglass entry doors from Therma-Tru. This company invented fiberglass doors and they offer many options for adding warmth, color and elegance to the home exterior."

Replacing worn out exterior home features is a smart investment for homeowners. In fact, many products added to the home have a high return-on-investment at the time of a home sale, according to the 2014 Cost Versus Value Study conducted by Remodeling magazine. Adding energy-efficient vinyl windows as a mid-range project to a home can have a cost recoup value of 78.7 percent, while the addition of vinyl siding can have 78.2 percent recoup rate.

The same study reports that the replacement of an entry door with a fiberglass door can result in 70.8 percent of the cost recouped, while a new roof on the home has a 67.6 percent cost recoup. The study What Today's Home Buyers Really Want from the National Association of Home Builders reports that the three-most wanted outdoor features consumers desire for their home exteriors are lighting, a patio and a front porch.

The free comprehensive and colorful online guides created by Smith are available for downloading at www.sensationalcolor.com/colorforyourhome.

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(BPT) - Going green is good for the environment, but it can also be good for a homeowner’s wallet – and that’s the aspect of eco-friendly improvements that seems most appealing to homebuyers. More than 80 percent of buyers said they would pay more for home features that saved energy and trimmed utility bills, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders.

That piece of information can be valuable to home sellers looking to get the best price for their homes this summer. Home improvements that also reduce utility bills – such as skylights and energy-efficient heating, ventilation and cooling systems – may be the investments that ensure a seller’s home will get top dollar and multiple offers.

If you’re interested in making energy-efficient, cost-cutting improvements a selling point for your home this summer, you can achieve the benefit with basic, moderate or impressive improvements. What you choose to do will depend on your budget, time-frame and perceived benefit in terms of a speedy sale. Here are a handful of improvements, from basic to beautiful:

Seal and insulate – Ideally, you’ve kept up on your home’s insulation and sealing all the time you’ve lived there. If not, potential buyers may be attracted by recent refurbishments to the caulking and sealing around windows, entry doors, garage doors and ductwork. In most instances, homeowners can easily improve sealing and insulation on their own, without hiring a professional. While the improvement may seem minor, its impact can be significant; EnergyStar.gov says sealing and insulating ducts can boost an HVAC’s efficiency as much as 20 percent, and sealing air leaks and adding insulation can trim annual energy bills as much as 10 percent.

Replace old incandescent bulbs – When it comes to cost savings, replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-sipping CFLs or LEDs is a cost-effective way to trim electricity bills. Both types of bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescents, and last 10 to 25 times longer, according to Energy.gov. While these bulbs cost more than regular bulbs, potential home buyers are likely to embrace the cost savings they’ll reap over the lengthy life of the bulbs. In terms of energy upgrades, it’s a relatively low-cost, high-impact improvement for a seller to make.

Install a wireless, programmable thermostat – Connectivity is all the rage. When it comes to reducing heating and cooling costs by smarter thermostat use, wireless thermostats are the next big thing. Programmable thermostats have been available for years, and help reduce heating and cooling costs by automating settings to use energy wisely. Wireless thermostats enhance that functionality by allowing users to access their home’s temperature controls remotely from any Internet-enabled device. So if you’re in the office and realize you forgot to program the settings on your thermostat, you can communicate with the thermostat from your office desktop or your smartphone.

Sellers can realize savings too

Upgrading or installing a skylight – While many energy-efficient home improvements do their jobs behind the scenes, an Energy Star-qualified skylight is front-and-center, saving energy and beautifying a home. A skylight appeals to homebuyers’ aesthetic senses and love of savings and they are especially well received in kitchens and baths where they provide not only natural light but fresh air and privacy. A no leak solar powered fresh-air skylight, like those made by Velux America, can help reduce electricity costs by providing passive ventilation and natural light.

Solar-powered Velux blinds can improve a skylight’s energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent while making a strong design statement. Solar-powered skylights and blinds, plus installation costs, can be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. And for 10 weeks during the summer there’s also a $200 cash rebate from Velux on solar skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more. 

Real-estate industry watchers predict buyers and sellers will both be active this summer. Making the cost-saving improvements buyers crave could help sellers move their homes faster and for the best possible price.

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(BPT) - Move over kitchens and bathrooms, homeowners are focusing on a new part of the home: the garage. No longer just a place to park the car and lawn equipment, today’s garages are getting bigger and better. Here are a few quick and easy projects to create a useful and organized garage.

Make a grand entrance. While your garage may be a mess inside, begin your update with a good exterior impression. Adding a coat of paint to the main garage doors can make a dramatic update. And don’t stop there. Jazz up metal side-entrance doors with a more vibrant shade. Rust Protector spray paint from Krylon is an excellent choice to provide superior metal protection – and it dries in just eight minutes or less so you can move on to the rest of your projects.

Empty and organize. Now that your garage islooking great from the outside, it’s time to tackle the inside. Start by pulling everything out into the driveway, organizing the contents into groups: lawn and garden; tools and hardware; toys, games and bikes; and, for items you no longer want or need, garage sale. While the space is empty, give it a good cleaning from top to bottom.

Create a work station. No matter what your hobbies or interests, you’ll likely need a space to work. Assess how much room you can allocate and then create a station to accomplish tasks easily. Old metal tool cabinets are an excellent way to create an inexpensive DIY workbench. First, thoroughly clean the surfaces and then spray paint with KrylonRust Protector in your favorite color to not only make it look great but keep the metal surface protected from rust. Next, mount a work surface to the top. Now you’ll have a designated work area – with all your necessary tools within arm’s reach. Add a few bar stools and it can double as an entertainment station as well.

Keep hardware handy. While tool cabinets keep tools neatly stored away, there are some readily used tools that you want to keep in plain sight.For these items, hang a pegboard on the wall above your new work station and equip it with a variety of hooks and bins. To take your organization a step further, spray paint outlines of each tool to show where they go.

Let there be light. If your garage is like most, it has a single incandescent bulb hanging from the ceiling. That’s not enough light to do any work. Luckily, lighting up your space can be simple and inexpensive with a fluorescent light fixture. Available in a variety of lengths, these fixtures can easily be installed by hanging from chains mounted to the ceiling and simply plugging into a power source – no need for electrical wiring.

Create smart shelving. When your work area is complete, it’s time to find a place for the other items. Shelving is always a great option – but it can be expensive. A more affordable option is to recycle cabinets or shelves that you already have in your home. Have an old microwave cart, plastic shelves or even old kitchen cabinets left from a remodel? They are the perfect home for garden equipment or kids toys. Clean the surfaces and then paint them to achieve a finished look. Think you can’t paint plastic? Think again. Krylon’s new Dual SuperbondPaint + Primerspray paint features a proprietary formula that offers a high-adhesion, specialty primer that ensures top performance even on hard-to-paint surfaces such as plastics, laminates and melamine, as well as other commonly painted surfaces.

With a bit of organization and effort, you can transform your garage from cluttered to classy in no time at all. For more information on Krylon products or for more project ideas, visit www.krylon.com.

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(BPT) - Americans are on the move. More than 35 million Americans moved last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. While relocating to a new place is exciting, it also brings its own set of worries, with packing and unpacking topping the list of stressors. With careful planning and organizing, your move can be more celebratory than stressful – just follow these tips.

Select super supplies

It’s no secret that high-caliber products produce the best results, so be sure to select good quality supplies to save you hassle, time and money during the moving process. When it comes to your valuables and your memories, don’t take risks – start with new, clean and sturdy boxes rather than relying on old, reused boxes. Make sure you have a variety of sizes on-hand.

When sealing boxes, something as simple – and frustrating – as losing the tape end on your packaging tape can waste time and cause unneeded stress. Choose a quality packaging tape, like Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape, which offers Frustration Free technology. This makes it easy to start with every use and ensures you never lose the tape end. EZ Start packaging tape is available in clear, as well as a variety of fun prints, meaning it’s also great for organizing. Use it to color-code your boxes, assigning a different print to each room.

Organize, don’t agonize

Packing isn’t just about putting your belongings in boxes and heading on your way. Getting organized at both ends of your move will save you, and anyone helping you, time and hassle once everything arrives to its new destination. 

Before you pack, think about the must-have items you need to function on a daily basis to ensure you have them within reach. And, create a survival kit of items you’ll need for your first night – this way, you won’t be forced to unpack everything at once.

On top of your physical belongings, don’t forget to organize the things that make your home and life function. Fill out change of address forms early, and keep track of any important bills or paperwork that can’t be lost. Know who to contact to turn off utilities at your old location and how to turn them on when you move into your new place.

If you already know how you’d like furniture arranged at your new place, create diagrams and written instructions for those helping you unpack. Foresight here will help get your home looking “homey” much faster and prevent helpers from guessing where each item should go.

Have help on hand

While relocating is exciting, it also means a lot of heavy lifting. There’s no need to go it alone. Recruit friends and family to help with packing and unloading on moving day – often the promise of pizza and snacks is the only reward necessary for a hard day’s work. If you want professional assistance, hire a reputable moving company.

Make it easier on helpers by packing boxes smartly. Large boxes with heavy items are difficult to move and have a much greater chance of being dropped, damaging the valuables inside. Instead of cramming many items into one box, pack heavier items, like books, CDs and dishes, in small boxes; light items, like pillows, drapes, clothes and linens, in bigger ones. For extra protection for easy-to-break belongings, have some Bubble Wrap cushioning nearby. Bubble Wrap comes in an array of sizes and formats to help safeguard delicate items. Wrap items bubble-side in for best results.

Finally, for ease of organization, clearly label boxes so you know where they go when you arrive. And, consider keeping a detailed list of contents to help keep track of your belongings.

While no move will ever be completely stress-free, organization, some assistance and the right tools can help alleviate many common moving frustrations. For more moving tips or for information about Duck brand’s line of packaging, mailing and moving supplies, visit DuckBrand.com.

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(BPT) - How often do you use the front door? Not often, right? When Americans come home from work or school, the front door now takes a back seat to the garage door.

“The garage door is used more often, it commands more curb appeal, and price-wise, it’s a great bargain,” says Jim Lett of ABE Doors & Windows in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A past president of the International Door Association, Lett sells both garage doors and entry doors.

Lett says this major paradigm shift means more homeowners are investing in impressive garage doors with substantial curb appeal instead of front entry doors, which are used less and often shrouded in shadows.

The primary entrance

A national survey by Harris Interactive reveals that the garage door is indeed the door used most often to enter U.S. homes. Forty-five percent of homeowners with garages say the garage door is the primary point of entry into their home. The front door came in a distant second at 35 percent.

The front entry door is used so little, many homeowners no longer even carry a key to that door. The new house key to today’s home is the remote control to the garage door.

The battle for the front

“For decades, garage door guys were jealous of the attention given to the front entry door,” says Gordon McGraw, owner of Overhead Door of Eugene-Springfield, Oregon. “But that’s changed.”

Real estate agents used to tell people that the front door is the most important element to spruce up, because it’s the first thing visitors see, he says. “But that’s not true. A front-facing garage door is clearly much more dominant.”

Best door bargain in the house

While the garage door is significantly larger, research shows it’s also more affordable. The average installed garage door sale is only about $1,500, while a much-smaller fiberglass entry door runs about $2,800, according to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com). In that same report, the cost of an upscale garage door was only $2,800 compared to $7,300 for an upscale front entrance.

“It’s crazy, but the garage door delivers five times the curb appeal, yet it costs less than a comparable front door,” says Lett. “I always encourage garage door customers to go for the upscale models. It’s well worth every dollar. You shouldn’t settle for a plain-Jane garage door.”

Unprecedented choices

The last 10 years have seen manufacturers introduce an unprecedented variety of dynamic new garage door styles. It’s now common for garage door dealers to offer dozens, if not hundreds of carriage house designs, the hottest new look. Visit www.garagewownow.com to see a wide variety of new designs from many manufacturers.

Today’s garage doors are widely available in durable low-maintenance steel, and some new steel doors have a paint finish that looks exactly like real wood. Besides steel, the industry also offers innovative designs in aluminum and fiberglass. Gorgeous custom wood garage doors are also available as a premium choice.

Welcome home

Today, when America comes home, it’s not through the front door. In terms of use, convenience, and visual appeal, the garage door is the new front door of the American home.

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(BPT) - Giving your home a stylish update can sometimes seem like a daunting and expensive task. But, it's actually easier than ever with the right mindset and design inspiration. Everyday items can easily be up-cycled while a couple of inexpensive projects can be completed for a quick style revamp of your space on almost any budget. Follow these tips to freshen up your home from the outside in and you'll be amazed at the impact.

Plant some pizzazz

The first thing people notice about your house is the landscaping and overall curb appeal. Try installing flowerboxes or even planting shrubs and trees around your home. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, planting a tree can increase your home’s value, cut energy costs and be beneficial to your family’s health. Buying a new tree is a small investment and takes just a few hours to plant. For added color, consider planting some perennial flowers, such as day lilies, tulips and roses – which bloom every year. Painting or stenciling inexpensive planter boxes can give them a higher-end look and just the right touches of color to your space.

Enhance your entrance

Adding some colorful accents to your home's exterior is a simple way to make a style statement and enhance your home's curb appeal. Many DIY experts agree that you don't need to repaint your entire home's exterior –  just a few selective color additions can make an enormous impact. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can go a long way. A can of black, oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel spray paint can be used to update metal house numbers, railings and light fixtures quickly, and for a very low investment. If your front porch is rather dim, consider shopping at a flea market or resale shop for a new light fixture to brighten up the space. LED bulbs can be used for adding more light and energy savings. New and old pieces can all be painted to match or left as is for a more rustic and eclectic feel.

Step into style

The key to creating a great first impression as guests enter your house is the flooring. Hardwood and tile are common and classic looks for entryways and foyers but aren't always within budget. Flooring companies now have options that look and feel just like the real thing but cost much less– and don’t require professional installation or complicated maintenance routines. For instance, Tarkett Flooring offers a wide selection of colors, patterns and quality levels in laminate and luxury tiles and planks that are easy to install, look just like the real thing and are affordable. All Tarkett flooring options feature low VOC emissions and are part of the iSelect system, a personalized shopping experience that makes finding the perfect flooring for your home a breeze using six easy-to-shop color palettes.

Wow your walls

Painting is the easiest way to make a dramatic, fairly inexpensive and instant impact on any room. Consider areas of your home that’ll get the most notice, like your dining room, kitchen, guest bath, foyer and even guest bedrooms. An even quicker project is just painting one wall as an accent wall. This will create a new focal point for the room that can be easily achieved by going a shade darker, brighter or complementing the existing wall color.

Easy, last minute tricks

If you're looking to refresh your kitchen, consider giving the cabinets some new hardware. Is storage space tight and cabinets are out of your budget? Mount some open shelving. New runners add interest to a long hallway while fun, hanging art keeps the space trendy. Other trendy accessories include wall sconces, throw pillows and photo frame wall galleries.

Remember, small projects pay off – you'll be enjoying your new, low cost but big impact look for years to come without having to fret about paying any large project costs.

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(BPT) - When it’s time to retire, do baby boomers just sit back and watch life pass them by? Not anymore. Boomers are known for getting involved in their communities, enjoying the outdoors and starting new - or restarting older - hobbies. They also love spending time with family.

This active lifestyle means boomers don’t want to take care of the large homes they lived in for years while raising children. In fact, they’re ready to downsize, and want to design their homes to be exactly what they need for their retirement years.

Downsizing into a new home - one that can adapt to boomers’ changing needs as well as accommodate their occasional desire to entertain guests - is a great way to enjoy retirement in comfort and style. And with the customizable features available through Clayton Homes, they won’t regret downsizing at all. Boomers can choose these features in The Holland home model by Clayton Homes, specifically designed for the active boomer, and continue entertaining in these prime years.

Consider the following customizable features available in these homes:

* Bragging wall - Every parent and grandparent loves to show off photos of their children and grandchildren. A wall designed specifically for hanging photos, awards and other proud mementoes gives parents and grandparents the perfect opportunity to share stories with visitors.

* Handy but hidden entertainment - When friends and family come over, consider how efficient it is to have a built-in cabinet that flips open to serve as a beverage station. When visitors are not around, tucking the beverage station away into a designated place makes the home more open. Another customizable feature is a support column that acts as a wine storage cubby with a built-in bench beside it.

* Accessible laundry - Placing laundry facilities close to the bedroom is great for baby boomers. The space doesn’t need to be large, but sometimes when a small space is designed for laundry, you lose out on those wonderful additional features, such as drying racks. Clayton Homes has alleviated this issue by installing pull-out hanging racks or built-in storage above the machines and off the floor.

* Bedroom luxury - Enjoy a home that segregates the master bedroom and bath from the entertaining areas of the home. One way to make this private space perfect is to install a beauty bar. It’s a vanity station in the bedroom with a large mirror and chair so one can comfortably prep for the day without constantly standing.

* Fun space - Many retirees finally have the time to enjoy their hobbies to their full potential, and they’ll need to designate a space in their new home to accommodate the activity. Maybe they’re interested in physical fitness and need a place for equipment. Sometimes a craft room is required so the grandkids can come over and put their creativity to good use. Entertaining is an option, too, and having a separate room near the kitchen just for those planned gatherings might be exactly what is needed.

By efficiently utilizing living space that is specifically designed for their use, boomers can enjoy their retirement years in a home that is built to suit their new active lifestyles.

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(BPT) - Whether it’s the neighbor’s lawnmower, low-flying aircraft, heavy traffic or loud music, noise pollution can hinder you from truly enjoying your home. Nowadays, a quiet place to relax and chill out can be increasingly difficult to find. Yet, a smart investment in the right materials can let you achieve both solace and silence in your home.

Noise pollution can noticeably contribute to issues such as cognitive impairment, language development problems, learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as social and behavioral issues, according to online medical resource, MedScape, While these conditions are more likely to occur in children, there is a chance that older residents can suffer due to noise pollution. Eliminating noise pollution can have a significant impact on motivation, education and overall mood.

The wrong kinds of noise pollution upgrades can often mean homeowners spend a lot more than necessary and get a lot less in return. Building experts note homeowners are more likely to invest in soundproofing materials for their theatre or media rooms rather than tackle the issue of noise pollution holistically.

Investing in heavy soundproofing drapes and double-glazed windows are a good start to minimizing external, airborne noises. But what about flanking noises? That is, those noises rumbling from piping and the water system within your home. One versatile option that addresses both airborne and flanking noise pollution is spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene, is ideal for targeting noise pollution while providing a range of other benefits. Conforming to any space when applied, spray foam insulation forms a thick, sponge-like barrier that blocks the chaos of the outside world and dampens the flanking noises from your home’s pipes improving the quality of life and health of you and your family.

Installed by professionals, high performance spray foam insulation goes beyond just noise dampening. It fills every gap within the home’s walls and ceiling to stop air escaping as well as reduces the strain on your heating and cooling equipment. Spray foam insulation both insulates and air seals the entire building envelope letting homeowners cut their monthly heating and cooling bills by as much as 50 percent in some cases.

As a long-term solution, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature year-round while helping to control noise pollution. The buzzing of a lawnmower and the late night house party can be a thing of the past thanks to a well-insulated home. More information on how spray foam insulation can help you effectively minimize noise pollution is available at www.icynene.com.

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(BPT) - With Americans working longer hours than ever before, most homeowners yearn for a luxurious place to relax and unwind at the end of a hectic day. This is likely why the bathroom is the most requested home renovation project, according to the National Association of Homebuilders.

However, between work, family and other household tasks, homeowners may have difficulty finding the time (or the budget) for home improvement projects. Luckily, you can dramatically improve the look and functionality of your bathroom – all without breaking the bank or calling a contractor.

Here are five fast fixes for a fabulous bath all less than $100.

Extra elbow room in the shower

Have you ever wondered why a hotel shower seems so spacious? Chances are it had a curved shower rod. Now, you can bring that luxury into your own bath. Moen offers several versions, including the new Tension Curved Shower Rod that adds up to 5.5 inches of extra elbow room – without using elbow grease. It’s affordable and installs in three easy steps without any tools, drilling or assembly. Just expand the rod to your desired length, add tension, and snap on the decorative covers and you’re done. You’ll be amazed at the difference changing out a shower rod will make to the space. Plus, the Tension Curved Shower Rod is available in three popular finishes – chrome, brushed nickel and old world bronze - to perfectly coordinate with any decor.

Sensational showerheads

Now that you have more room to relax in the shower, is your current showerhead offering a sensational experience?  If not, don’t settle for a subpar spray – upgrading your showerhead is simple. Just unscrew your current showerhead; wrap some plumber’s tape around the arm; and screw on the new showerhead. A rainshower is an excellent choice to provide quality coverage – and many options are available at affordable prices.

Stylish, safe and savvy

If the bathroom is the room to retreat for relaxation, you want it to be safe. Unfortunately, water creates slick, wet surfaces and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that roughly 234,000 injuries occur annually in the bathroom. Luckily, adding peace of mind can be simple, and brands such as Moen Home Care continue to expand their bath safety selections to ensure that a safe bath is also a beautiful bath. The Banbury collection of grab bars and hand grips not only provides a sturdy grip when getting into or out of the bath or shower, but also the style and finish to perfectly match the rest of the bath. Worried about installing a grab bar? No need, with Moen’s SecureMount System, you are able to mount grab bars securely both with and without studs.

Admirable accessories

In addition to being a relaxing retreat, the bathroom is host to many activities - which means it also needs to store a lot of stuff. Adding simple storage solutions, such as hooks, towel bars, towel rings and shelves can add some sanity and style to your bath. Luckily many of these solutions are extremely inexpensive.

“For less than $100 and an hour’s time, you can refresh your bath with new accessories,” says Tim Bitterman, director of marketing, Moen Accessories. “And, today’s accessories add a bit of function with their flair – from pivoting paper holders that make changing the roll simple and quick, to decorative glass shelves to keep toiletries off the counter.”

Pamper yourself

Adding luxury to your bath doesn’t always have to involve the home improvement store. New, plush cotton towels and memory foam bath mats can give your room a spa-like feel. The towels will envelop you in comfort while your feet sink into the plush bath mats on the floor. Don’t forget to engage all your senses – not just sight – with soothing new lotions and soaps. There are hundreds to choose from and they can easily transport you to a vacation state of mind.

With a few inexpensive, simple projects you too can have a fabulous and relaxing bathroom. For more information on Moen accessories or products, visit www.moen.com or call 800-BUY-MOEN.

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(BPT) - Moving up – vacating your current, smallish home for a larger, roomier abode – was the American way before the Great Recession. Now that the economy is humming again, at least some of the people who stayed put during those lean years will be looking to move into larger, nicer homes this summer. High demand and low inventory, however, may leave many with nowhere to go. Some will rediscover a time-honored space-gaining technique: attic conversion.

As home improvements go, converting an attic into usable living space has a high return on investment – about 84 percent at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. That’s if you use your unfinished attic to create a 15-by-15-foot bedroom and a modest 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower. Create a larger, more luxurious and more elaborate space and the ROI could be even greater. If your family is bursting at the seams, the value of added space will be measured in comfort, convenience and peace of mind, rather than resale dollars.

As with any renovation project, achieving an attic conversion requires you to balance numerous factors, from budget and objective to space and architectural limitations. Some of your most-desired features – such as ample natural light or a full bathroom – may seem out of reach. They don’t have to be, though, if you rely on some time-tested techniques to maximize the space.

Lighting the natural way

Typically, attics aren’t built with a lot of windows, and adding them may be difficult if the ceiling is sloped. Yet natural light is a highly prized feature in virtually any room, especially if you’re converting your attic into a bedroom, family room or other public area. Traditional solutions include adding dormers, which can be costly and time-consuming. What’s more, windows and dormers can eat up wall space, which is often at a premium in attics.

Skylights or roof windows can be a better option in an attic space. They require less time and cost to install than dormers and can easily live on slanted ceilings. Choose Energy Star-qualified no-leak, solar-powered fresh-air skylights like those from VELUX America utilized in the O’More College of Design Alumni House, add solar-powered blinds, and you can achieve a light-filled attic room that is both beautiful and energy efficient. The cost of the products, including installation, are eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit. And from now until August 15, there’s also a $200 cash rebate from VELUX on solar powered skylights. To learn more, visit www.whyskylights.com.

Roof windows, which are less expensive than dormers, are another cost-effective attic conversion option. VELUX offers both a top-hinged model and a double-sash balcony model that open at the top and bottom to create a roof balcony that admits much more light than a dormer while offering access to the outdoors.  Roof windows offer maximum ventilation plus the added advantage of meeting building code requirements as points of emergency escape and egress.

Heating and cooling 

Attics are often the hottest or coldest room in the house, depending on the time of year and the quality of your home’s insulation. Creating a comfortable atmosphere in a converted attic requires expert planning.

You may need to increase insulation. Because insulation has such a significant impact on a home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency, it makes sense to invest in the best you can afford. Spray foam is often a good option for converted attics because it can go easily between existing joists and create a tight air barrier without losing the inches of space required for thick fiberglass batt insulation.

You’ll also need to consider how you will heat and cool the space. A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system expert can help you determine the best approach.

Skylights and roof windows can also play an important role in your heating and cooling conversion plan due to the chimney effect they utilize to exhaust rising hot air from an attic space while providing abundant daylight and fresh air.

Plumbing made easier

Adding a bathroom anywhere in a home is usually a good investment. Bathroom additions return about 60 percent of your investment at the time of resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Creating an attic bathroom can be simple – if pipes are already present – or challenging if no plumbing exists in the space.

One alternative to traditional plumbing is up-flush, which allows you to install sinks, toilets, showers and even bath tubs without engaging in major construction to accommodate traditional plumbing pipes. Up-flush plumbing cost less than traditional plumbing methods and is easier to fit into tight spaces – like the odd nooks that often occur in attics.

With planning and the right materials, it’s possible to convert an attic into a living space that makes your home even more livable for your family while you’re staying in place. Plus, it will enhance your home’s value down the road when you’re ready to move up.

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(Family Features) You've found the perfect neighborhood and the ideal new house for your family. But before you can settle in and begin making your new surroundings feel like home, you have to cross one more dreaded hurdle: moving day.

"Finding a new home is a wonderful and exciting experience, but moving can be overwhelming -- juggling packing, moving essential belongings and transforming your new house into a home," said Wendy Froehlich, vice president of marketing at Homes.com. "Homes.com believes in providing the best tools and tips for consumers to make their lives easier.  We're proud to share best practices to make the moving process less stressful and more organized - ensuring a smooth move."

One mistake many movers make is attempting to transport items that should actually just be replaced. A commonly overlooked example is mattresses, which can prove cumbersome and difficult to keep clean during a move.

"Many people find that moving is the ideal time to replace a mattress, especially if it has reached or surpassed the eight-year mark," said Steve Stagner, chief executive officer of Mattress Firm, Inc. "Our hassle-free delivery for your new mattress and pick up for your old one means you have one less thing to worry about as you begin life in your new home."

To help movers avoid unnecessary stress and reduce property damage, the experts at Mattress Firm and Homes.com have partnered to provide these tips:

Plan ahead: The key to executing a move that is both efficient and stress-free is to plan your move weeks before the actual day. A moving file and calendar are great ways to keep all of your moving information, such as your lease or mortgage contract, utility hook up, power documents and other important information in one place.

Get organized: Organize boxes for their corresponding room in your new home, sealing them with colored duct tape to color code.

Don't crack under pressure: Keep your plates in one piece by stacking plastic foam plates in between each one, and protect glasses by putting them inside pairs of clean socks.

Vacuum seal out-of-season clothing: Don't waste time fumbling through out-of-season clothing. Not only will it take up less space and be a breeze to pack, but it can go directly into storage in the new place.

Think of the little things: Keep sandwich bags handy to hold any small items you have to take apart, such as the screws for a mounted flat-screen television or your bed frame, and tape them to the backside. Label the bags accordingly to make unpacking and reassembling furniture a breeze.

Sweet dreams: Check the mattress tag; if a mattress is more than eight years old, it has accumulated dust, dust mites and sweat that can make it practically double in weight. Avoid the hassle of moving it and arrange to get a new one delivered to your new home. If the mattress is still in its prime, use a mattress protector to transport it safely to the new home.

Green thumb: Transport plants delicately by using a Christmas tree bag to keep all of the appendages safe and prevent snapping.

Survival kit: Make life easier when arriving at the new home by packing an easily accessible overnight bag with clothes and necessary toiletries. Don't forget to include first day essentials, such as a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags and power strips.

For additional tips to make your moving day run smoothly, visit www.mattressfirm.com or www.homes.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (movers)

SOURCE:
Mattress Firm, Inc.

Four real estate tips to help buyers and sellers both win this summer

(BPT) - The real estate market heats up when the weather does, and spring and summer are traditionally the most active seasons for home sales. This year, industry experts predict that home prices will continue to rise and, with mortgage rates remaining low, the spring and summer real estate season will be competitive for both buyers and sellers.

Buying the right house, especially under pressure, isn’t always a sure thing. A quarter of American homeowners who bought the home they’re currently in said they would not buy their home again, according to a nationwide survey from Redfin, the customer-first real estate brokerage, and conducted online by Harris Poll among more than 2,000 American adults.

Everyone wants to win in the real estate market, but not all do. Fortunately, some simple steps can help ensure both buyers and sellers achieve the best possible outcomes.

1. Don’t go it alone.

In the past 10 years, 89 percent of Americans who bought or sold a home used a real estate agent, according to the Redfin survey. Real estate agents bring value to both sides of a home sale, ensuring that sellers get top dollar and spend less time waiting for their homes to sell, and that buyers get the best home at the best price. To find a good agent, interview several, read online reviews, get recommendations from family and friends and take your time. Look for an agent who makes you feel comfortable. An agent should never pressure buyers to bid on any house, and sellers should never feel pressured to list their home for a price they’re not comfortable with.

Historically, real estate agent-client relationships have involved commissions – a scenario that may make some buyers and sellers uncomfortable. Now, there are many other options for people to consider. For instance, Redfin agents earn a base salary and benefits, and receive no commission on home sales. Instead, they receive bonuses based on customer satisfaction.  

The Redfin survey indicates there is room for improvement in the agent-client relationship. While 52 percent of homeowners ages 35 to 44 said they loved working with their agent, only 31 percent of poll respondents ages 18 to 34 felt the same way. By contrast, 97 percent of customers who have worked with a Redfin agent said they would recommend the agent and company to others.

2. Know what’s going on in your market.

It’s a hot market right now. In March, 63 percent of offers written by Redfin agents were competing in multiple offer situations. In order to maximize their chance of success, both buyers and sellers should thoroughly research home prices in their area. Knowing what other homes are selling for will help sellers competitively price their homes, and buyers who do their research will be less likely to overpay. Buyers may also be able to avoid unproductive bidding wars if they’re armed with price information and know ahead of time how much they are willing to stretch their budget for any given home.

Most agents, including Redfin agents, will be happy to provide buyers and sellers with a comparative market analysis of home values and prices in their area.

3. Be creative.

Sellers don’t want to set prices too low and buyers don’t want to pay too much. Creativity can help close the deal for both groups.

Rather than listing a home for a lower price, sellers can enhance their listing’s attractiveness in a number of ways, such as offering to help buyers with closing costs or including a home warranty in the sale. Buyers – especially those in multiple offer situations – can make their offers more attractive by getting mortgage pre-approval, waiving contingencies or offering to rent the home back to sellers for a short period of time to help them with their transition.

4. Know when to walk away.

Sometimes a deal just isn’t right. Perhaps the other party’s agent makes you uncomfortable, a buyer is adamant about a lowball offer or a seller refuses to make necessary repairs. Flash sales, bidding wars, price jumps and inventory crunches can also make you feel uncomfortable.

When a bad scenario occurs, the best course of action may just be to walk away. With 25 percent of current homeowners feeling buyer’s remorse over the home they’re currently in, it pays to do everything you can to make sure the deal you’re considering is right for you.

To learn more about buying and selling homes, or to find a Redfin agent in your area, visit www.redfin.com.

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Tips on how to give your home an annual checkup

(BPT) - There’s no better time than now to give your home the attention it deserves. Give it an annual checkup before cold weather arrives to help add comfort, save energy and cut home maintenance in the long-run.

When inspecting your home’s windows and doors, here’s what to check:

Inspect interior and exterior finishes: Over time, paint and stain can weather away. Flaking or peeling may mean that it’s time to refinish or replace the unit. When replacing windows or doors, consider factory prefinished wood or fiberglass options from Pella, or vinyl options that don’t need painting or staining, to save time and money.

Look for damaged exterior surfaces or signs of leaks: Check your sprinkler system to make sure it’s watering your lawn and landscape, not soaking your windows or doors. Cracked or deteriorated wood may be a sign of water penetration. Leaks can linger and affect interior walls, floors or ceilings, so look closely for discoloration or other moisture signs.

If you spot a problem, track its trail. For example, discolored trim around a window might actually be caused by moisture entering a ways away. With a leaky roof, water may run down inside the wall and appear at the window. Contact a professional for help in making home repairs.

Clear windowsills and tracks of dirt and debris: Sand, leaves, insects or pine needles stuck in weather-stripping can affect the performance of your windows and doors. Open the windows and clean the opening with a soft brush, like a dry paint brush or vacuum attachment. Do the same for sliding patio doors.

Try opening and closing: Open your windows and doors to make sure moving parts work, and units close properly. Replace worn or broken parts.

Inspect weather-stripping: Re-attach loose weather-stripping around windows or doors, and replace material that’s ripped or torn.

Replace or repair broken locks: If locks feel loose or don’t work smoothly, replace them. Keep windows and doors locked when not in use. Locks help hold doors and windows tightly, to lock out rain, wind, snow and insects.

Inspect weep and breather holes: Weep holes in the exterior of windows, allow excess moisture to escape, while breather holes allow air exchange within certain components. Clear blocked holes of dirt or debris with a wire or toothpick.

Check exterior sealants and caulk on and around windows and doors. Pay attention to areas susceptible to rain, water and extreme sunlight. Remove damaged material and reapply sealant.

In coastal locations, rinse exterior metal like exterior aluminum trim or cladding: Rinsing exterior metal parts three or four times a year can help extend the life of your windows and doors by minimizing corrosion from salt spray or fog.

Feel for signs of air leakage around the window or door: Improperly installed windows or doors can be drafty, decrease energy efficiency, and allow unwanted moisture into your home. To help save on utility bills and keep your home more comfortable year-round, replace drafty old, leaky windows with new, ENERGY STAR-qualified Pella windows installed properly.

Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest for design inspiration or Pella.com/news to connect with a Pella representative for tips on caring for your windows and doors, or choosing new replacements.

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Check the big move off the moving to-do list with ease

(BPT) - When you’re planning the big move, you’ve probably created a lengthy to-do list of everything that needs to be packed, planned and previewed. While you’re likely excited about your move, stress can create a bit of an emotional upheaval as well.

By staying organized and adopting a schedule that has served professional movers very well, you can check your big move off your to-do list with ease. If you follow this simple timeline and valuable advice, any move can be quick, easy and organized:

Three to four weeks prior to move day

1. Estimate how large a rental truck you'll need. In general, allow 150 cubic feet of truck space for each fully furnished room. For example, a 12-foot truck offers 450 cubic feet while a 26-foot truck offers 1,400 cubic feet for your items.

2. Round up all the packing supplies you’ll need. Save time by ordering your moving supplies like boxes, labels, bubble wrap and packing tape online now. Sometimes you can collect boxes at work or ask your local grocery store if they have any you may take.

3. Start packing. Begin with out-of-season and non-essential items. Remember to label boxes clearly. This is also a good time to lighten your load. If you haven't worn or used it in a year, donate it to charity or hold a garage sale to garner a little extra spending cash.

4. Utilize technology. Did you know you can use your smartphone to quickly and easily rent a moving truck with Penske's new mobile rental option? Simply access PenskeTruckRental.com from your smartphone and the site automatically becomes an easy-to-use mobile version. A few clicks and you'll reserve the perfect moving truck for your moving day, saving you time and headaches.

Two weeks prior to move day

1. Change your address with the post office. Remember to update your address with other important contacts such as banks, credit card companies, magazines and professional associations.

2. Call service providers and utilities to discontinue cable TV, trash collection, water, gas and electricity. Consider scheduling cut-off for a day or two after you move, just in case there is a delay and you still need those services.

3. Ask for help. Get a crew of family and friends to save the date to help on moving day. You'll need some strong folks to help move boxes and appliances, and some others who are willing to watch children and pets so they don't get in the way.

One day prior to move day

1. Finish any remaining packing. Pack all your essentials into a suitcase as if you were traveling. This will be the last item you pack and likely the first one you open at your new destination. Include items like checkbooks, credit cards, IDs, glasses, prescription drugs, house keys and other necessities.

2. Pick up your truck rental the day or evening before the move to save time on moving day. Penske professionals will get you familiarized with your vehicle and help you verify the best driving directions to your new home. They'll even check the upcoming weather and give you any necessary driving advice.

Move day

1. Pack the truck. Put the heaviest items on the truck first. When loading and unloading, be sure to bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Work diligently, but be sure to take breaks and stay hydrated.

2. Leave early in the morning. You'll run into less traffic and you'll leave yourself extra time to unload at your destination. Take turns driving and take breaks once every two to three hours.

3. Get help unpacking. After a long drive you'll appreciate assistance unloading the moving truck. If possible, have friends or relatives ready to help at your destination.

By using this schedule, you'll have an easy and smooth move without headaches so you can enjoy your new home and look forward to the future.

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Driveways to mailboxes: Oft-overlooked items that drive curb appeal

(BPT) - Selling or staying, it makes no difference – everyone wants a home that looks great from the curb. Curb appeal comes together when all the elements of a home’s facade are in good shape and working together. Driveways that are cracked or pitted with potholes, dingy front doors and other seemingly minor complaints like a shabby, scuffed mailbox, can all significantly detract from a home’s overall curb appeal.

Here is a handful of projects – many of them quick fixes – that can greatly enhance a home’s appearance.

* Repair or resurface your driveway.

For many homes, the driveway is one of the largest visual elements of the home’s overall curb appeal, ranking right up there with siding, the roof and the lawn. If winter was rough on your driveway, it’s time to think of making repairs. Concrete can crack and crumble, and asphalt develops potholes. Both can be repaired quickly and easily.

For any driveway repair, make sure the area to be repaired has been cleaned of debris and loose materials.  Cleaning with a hose or pressuring washing can improve the entire surface. For asphalt driveways, Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch is a ready-to-use recycled asphalt product that permanently patches potholes, cracks and other defects without the oily mess or bad smell of a conventional blacktop patch. Simply pour the product into the pothole and tamp it down. It is not oily or sticky, so you can even use your car to do the job – just drive tires over the patch to compress it.

Concrete driveways can develop different types of cracks:  very small and shallow resembling a dry river bed; cracks between 1/8 and 1/4 inch wide; and cracks wider and deeper than 1/4 inch. Your choice of repair method will depend on how you want the finished product to look and how much time you have to make the repair.   

Portland cement-based Sakete Top n Bond can be used to repair all three types of cracks, and will provide a finished look that most closely resembles the existing concrete driveway. For tiny cracks, simple coat the entire area with a thin layer of the patching material. Top n Bond easily fills cracks wider an deeper than 1/4 inch. You can also use it to repair areas where one slab of the driveway has sunk lower than the slab next to it. If appearance is less important, an even easier option for repairing cracks 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide is to use a tube product, like Sakrete Concrete & Mortar Repair, and apply it with a caulk gun.

Repairing damaged asphalt or concrete driveways not only improves its appearance, it can help extend its life, too.

* Put the shine on your mailbox

It sits at the end of your driveway and often plays a key role in helping guests find your house. But do you give your mailbox the attention – and the credit – it’s due? Little things can mean a lot when it comes to creating curb appeal. While a mailbox that looks good might not get much attention, one that’s ugly or shabby is sure to draw the kind of attention you don’t want.

If you live in a community that restricts what type of mailbox you can have, simply give your rusted, stained mailbox and the post it sits on a fresh coat of paint in its original color. If your community has no standards for mailboxes, you can swap out an ordinary looking box with something that compliments your exterior design. Does your home have a brick facade? Consider a mailbox set in or on a brick pillar. If your house features fieldstone accents, consider carrying that over to the mailbox with a small, stone-trimmed planting bed at its base.

* Lavish your front door with some TLC

The door is the point where your exterior design meets your interior décor. It’s also an element that significantly impacts how visitors view your home. Give yours a fresh coat of paint or stain, and don’t forget the trim around the door.

Next, consider lighting. Is the area around the door well lit? Good lighting is key not only for safety at night but also to enhance the appeal of the area. Consider sconces beside the door or an attractive overhead fixture if your door has an awning, porch or overhang. Ground lights can accent the effect, either illuminating the pathway that leads to the door or lighting up the door itself.

Finally, take a look at the door hardware. Is the handle or knob looking rusted and shabby? Replacing worn or dated door hardware is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the overall look of your entryway.

Anyone hoping to sell their home during warmer months can greatly enhance curb appeal by investing in these seemingly minor design elements. If you plan to stay in your house, boosting the curb appeal will make you feel even better about coming home every day to a fresh, appealing house.

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Tips to remove big stress from your big move

(BPT) - Moving brings great opportunities in the form of careers, social connections and new beginnings. However, the act of moving can create unnecessary stress and tension, which makes the process less than desirable. About 35 percent of Americans move every five years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which results in many people who are looking to simplify the process and turn their new house into a home.

Celebrity design expert and ADT spokesperson Sabrina Soto has the expert moving advice to make your house a home:

* Review everything being packed: If you have items you won’t use or haven’t used in six months, put them aside. They are good candidates for selling at a garage sale, listing in online classified ads, donating to charity, or as a last-case scenario, throwing away.

Also, look for ways to reduce your load. Canned goods may still have shelf life, but evaluate whether it makes sense to move or donate – it’s likely the latter. The same goes for other items you can easily and inexpensively purchase at a discount store when you arrive at your destination. As you approach moving day, be sure to think twice before loading up at grocery or convenience stores.

As you take inventory of everything in your home, be sure to clean, organize and sort the remaining items so they can be packed quickly and then easily found when you arrive at your new home.

* Get secured before you move: Feeling secure and in control is an important part of transforming a new house into a home. An ADT Pulse home security and automation system gives homeowners the ability to not only monitor their home’s security, but also control functions such as adjusting lights, unlocking doors and controlling thermostats – all with the touch of an app. Plus, it can start working for new homeowners on day one, whether using it to grant access to trusted contractors and technicians or receiving alerts when deliveries arrive at the front door. In a new neighborhood and a new house, it will be a sigh of relief to know you’re in control both at home and while away.

* Keep organized on moving day: Walk through the old home with your movers to identify how you’d like your items organized and packed. Let them know you want the house packed room by room, which will make it easier to unpack and place everything into your new house. If you have anything fragile, be sure to note how you’d like those items to be handled, saving you plenty of time and headaches in the long run.

If you’re planning to move yourself, it’s important to take precautions and protect your belongings while the truck is being loaded and unloaded. Have a team of trusted friends or family help you – the more sets of eyes, the easier it will be to keep track of your belongings. If you need to keep the truck parked overnight, back the vehicle up to a wall or garage door, which will make it difficult for someone to break in.

* Make yourself a happy place: Choose one room in your new home to be the room you completely unpack and organize on the first day. This gives you a restful sanctuary where you can retreat, even if the rest of your items are still in boxes scattered among the other rooms for several days to come.

* Document and share the transformation: Use your smartphone or camera to document the change of your new home as your items are unpacked and placed. This allows you to see how your hard work has paid off. 

With these tips, you can streamline your move and make it less stressful for you and your family.

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The do's and don'ts, how to prime your credit score before you house hunt

(BPT) - Spring is traditionally the busiest home-buying season of the year. And this year, with the housing market and economy finally starting to show signs of resurgence, many consumers are looking to buy. But although location, school district and the size of the home are important, many people overlook one of the most important factors of the home buying process – their credit scores.

In fact, many people still don’t realize that lenders review credit scores when making decisions about the availability and pricing of credit, this according to a 2013 survey conducted by the Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore Solutions, a credit score model developer.

If you are hoping to get into the real estate market this spring, follow these tips to help you improve your credit score the right way:

* Reduce your credit card balances. If you’re looking to improve your credit scores quickly and legitimately, reducing your existing credit card debt is a great first step. According to VantageScore Solutions, its best to keep credit card balances at less than 30 percent of the maximum amount of credit allowed.

* Check that the info that appears in your credit files is accurate and up-to-date. You don’t want to miss out on a great loan because of an error in your credit reports. Be sure you check your reports at all three national credit reporting companies, which are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, because most mortgage lenders will pull all three of your credit reports and credit scores. Consumers are entitled by Federal law to receive a copy of each of their credit reports once every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com.

* Understand the reasons why your scores aren’t higher. When you receive your credit score disclosure notice, reason codes appear along with your credit scores, and they detail why your credit score isn’t higher. You can learn more about these reason codes and how to improve your credit score at the new consumer education website ReasonCode.org.

While these are good strategies for score improvement, make sure to also avoid these pitfalls:

* Taking on any new debt just before or during the underwriting period. Keep in mind that lenders may pull a credit report and score more than once during the mortgage approval process including just before closing on the loan. Buying a new boat or car during this time could impact the total amount of debt you owe. Credit score models factor the amount of debt you owe into your credit score. Additionally, owing more debt on new loans will impact your debt-to-income ratio. While your debt-to-income ratio is not a part of your credit score, it will be considered by your mortgage lender. If you are planning to apply for a mortgage or refinance, hold off on that new car or boat until after you have closed your home loan.

* Soliciting credit repair services. You’ll find numerous services on the Internet that say they can help you “repair” your credit quickly. These should be avoided. They often over-promise and under-deliver. Federal laws prohibit credit repair companies from charging fees upfront, and consumer advocates agree that you should think twice before paying these companies to do what you can do on your own and at no cost.

Remember, improving your credit score, like many other things in life, requires hard work, dedication and discipline but if you stick to the plan you’ll see the benefits in the end.

To get a true picture of your credit status, it’s best to review your credit reports and credit scores from multiple sources. Test your knowledge about credit scores at http://www.CreditScoreQuiz.org, which was created by VantageScore Solutions along with its partner, Consumer Federation of America. Both the online quiz and a corresponding brochure are available in Spanish at www.creditscorequiz.org/Espanol.

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Selling this summer? 6 upgrades to secure a speedy sale

(BPT) - When the weather warms up, so does the real estate market. Spring and summer are traditionally the seasons when both home buyers and sellers are most active across the country. If you’ll be putting your home on the market this year, simple, cost-effective upgrades can help ensure a speedy sale at a good price.

“In the world of real estate, it’s often necessary for sellers to spend a little on upgrades in order to achieve a satisfying home sale,” says Bethany Richmond, communications director for the Carpet & Rug Institute. “Fortunately, some of the most impressive upgrades, such as new carpeting, are also affordable. Such upgrades ensure that you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve a better selling price.”

Here are six easy-to-do upgrades that are both cost-effective and high-impact:

1. Replace carpet

It’s easy to see the impact of worn or dated carpeting. “If you don’t like looking at it, buyers won’t either,” Richmond says. “Replacing old or damaged carpet delivers impressive appeal for a modest investment.”

New carpet is one upgrade that has a high ratio of value to cost. It substantially increases perceived value for homebuyers without requiring home sellers to spend a bundle. “Even less expensive carpet styles will freshen the look of a room and prepare it for sale,” Richmond notes. “You can get a lot more quality for just a little more money, she says, “and if you take advantage of spring carpet sales, installing new carpeting can cost even less.”

2. Clean flooring

If your carpet is still in great shape, then simply having it professionally cleaned can make it look even better. A deep professional cleaning helps lift tough soils and provides a cleaner, fresher look to rooms. You can find an expert in your area by visiting www.carpet-rug.org. CRI experts can even provide insight into how to remove difficult stains.

Not only is carpet a good value, it’s healthy, too. People with allergies or other sensitivities are installing carpet to improve indoor air quality. Recent studies support previous findings that carpet, when effectively cleaned, traps allergens and other particles, resulting in less dust, dander and airborne contaminants escaping into the air. To learn more about selecting and maintaining carpet, as well as how carpet is a good choice for people with allergies, visit the home page of the Carpet & Rug Institute at www.carpet-rug.org .

Don’t forget to clean all other flooring, including hardwood, laminates and tile. Buyers will appreciate a sparkling clean appearance throughout the house.

3. Repaint in neutral shades

Fresh paint is another smart and cost-effective upgrade for sellers. Buyers expect it, yet many sellers hesitate to repaint. Perhaps they like the existing colors or balk at the cost of professional painting services. Yet repainting in neutral colors makes a room look fresher and brighter, and gives buyers a visual “blank slate” against which to imagine their own decor.  Do the work yourself and you can reduce the cost of repainting even further.

4. Update or upgrade lighting

You may find that disco-ball style globe light charming in your kitchen, but the average buyer doesn’t want dated or unusual lighting. Replacing dated or worn fixtures, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, is a cost-effective way to give a room a more up-to-date, contemporary look. If you already have newer fixtures, consider replacing incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency options such as CFLs or LEDs. Although they’re a bit more expensive to purchase, these bulbs last years longer – a selling point for buyers who will reap the value of not having to replace bulbs any time in the near future.

5. Install new faucets

A high-end faucet can completely change the look and usability of a kitchen or bathroom. In terms of cost versus value, an upgraded faucet, such as pull-out or even touch-free styles, can dramatically increase perceived value for a relatively modest investment. An upgraded faucet is a thoughtful touch that will set your home apart in buyers’ minds.

6. Replace hardware throughout the home

You may have already thought of upgrading kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, but have you also upgraded hardware in your bathroom or on the front door? These seemingly small items have a major impact on the overall visual effect of a home. In desirable rooms such as kitchens and baths, designer hardware can elevate the entire look of the room. And upgraded door hardware will ensure buyers have a positive first impression from the moment they enter your home.

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Why a wood deck is one of the best investments a homeowner can make

Want remodeling ROI? Why a wood deck is one of the best investments a homeowner can make

(BPT) - As the seasons turn, more homeowners look for projects that not only make their homes more livable, but also offer great return on investment. With demand high across the country for outdoor spaces that bring the comforts of the indoors outside, there’s no surprise that decks are one of the top remodeling projects for 2014.

In fact, a residential wood deck addition has a recouped cost of 87.4 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value Report, the second highest ROI midrange project only behind an entry door replacement. That means adding a deck to your property will increase your livable space so you can enjoy the outdoors more, and you can rest easy knowing you’re boosting the value of your home investment.

If you think you’d like to add a wood deck to your home, you might wonder about the different material options. “Although composite and PVC decking have gained popularity in recent years, pressure-treated wood decking still carries the lion’s share of the market because it’s inexpensive, easy to work with and can be found at any lumberyard,” says Chris Fox, product manager at Universal Forest Products, a leading supplier of lumber and decking materials.

Today’s pressure-treated lumber comes with advancements that weren’t available to homeowners just a few years ago. For example, with more homeowners seeking eco-friendly building materials, wood suppliers are exploring environmentally preferred treatment methods. For example, ProWood’s micronized copper azole (MCA) treated lumber decking is eco-friendly, cost effective and easy to install.

MCA is a method for treating the wood (typically pine) using an EPA-registered waterborne wood preservative system to protect against termite attack and rot. MCA-treated lumber provides a light, natural look, unlike other pressurized wood treatments that result in the greenish hue with which most people are familiar.

You can leave MCA treated lumber in its natural state for a more organic appearance in your outdoor spaces, or you can choose ProWood Dura Color decking that is color-infused with pigment driven deep into the wood fibers. This process creates beautiful treated wood grain that will stand up to the elements for many years, with no need for staining.

“People like the natural look of redwood and cedar, but they don’t want the drawbacks that come with them, such as the high price and the fact that they quickly fade to gray,” says Fox. “ProWood Dura Color lumber not only looks like natural cedar or redwood, but the color lasts much longer and is backed by a two-year color assurance warranty”

When researching treated wood materials for outdoor home improvement projects, such as a deck addition, Fox suggests discussing the project with the local lumber dealer and to be sure to understand and check the end tag for:

1. The description of use (above ground or ground contact)
2. Warranty statement
3. The quality standards it meets
4. Third-party quality inspection (which assures product has passed retention and penetration tests).

To learn more about the MCA process and get ideas about outdoor home improvement projects, visit www.prowoodlumber.com. Research proves a wood deck is a sound investment, and now with new eco-friendly decking materials, homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to improving their home’s exterior spaces.

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Choosing a Real Estate Agent

The ideal agent is not always the one with the most sales under his or her belt, or the most years on the job. The ideal agent is one who listens to you, is easy to get along with, and has the tools and skills to address your unique situation.

Every home buyer is different. Some have credit issues. Some are buying from out of state. Some need help selling their current home in addition to buying a new one. Just as buyers have different needs, real estate agents have different skills and specialties.

Here?s how to find the agent who?s right for you:

1. Ask friends and family for agent referrals.
Nobody knows you as well as your friends and family do. So they?re often in the best position to recommend an agent who is well-suited for your needs. You can also trust a referral from friends or family more than one that comes from a stranger.

2. Talk to multiple agents.
I once saw a statistic that 84% of home buyers choose the first real estate agent they contact. This means one of two things. Either most people are choosing wisely the first time, or they?re just rushing into things without shopping around. Probably a little of both.

You don?t have to exhaust yourself interviewing agent after agent, but at least talk with two or three to see who you?re most comfortable with (which leads to the next point).

3. Consider the vibe factor.
Professional expertise is an important criterion when choosing a real estate agent. But interpersonal skills are equally important. After all, you?ll be working with this person anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it helps to get along with them. We all have unique personalities, and that?s the way it should be. But when working with someone professionally, if helps if their personality ?meshes? well with your own.

4. Ask how they hunt.
When deciding on a real estate agent, ask how they search for homes. Some agents have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what?s best for you, not what?s best for your agent. You?re paying them, right? So make sure the agent is willing to search high and low to find the best home for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.

5. Read paperwork carefully.
This advice is heavily used for a reason. It?s critical that you examine all documents during the home buying process, and that includes your agent agreement. At some point during the relationship, your agent will probably ask you to sign an agent agreement. Basically, it just means that if the agent shows you a particular property, your purchase of the property should be credited to that agent. In most cases it?s a simple, standard document just be sure to read it carefully and ask questions.

Top Ten Tips For Home Buyers

More than seven million American homes are sold every year. If you want to become a homeowner, there are 10 tips you should know:

About You

1. Pay your bills on time. This makes you a lower credit risk and, therefore, a better candidate for a mortgage at the lowest possible rate. Paying your bills now can make it easier for you to get a mortgage later.

2. Check and update your credit report before starting to look for a home. Credit reports are used by lenders to determine whether you will qualify for the mortgage you seek and for the interest rate you pay, so make sure your report is accurate.

3. Determine what monthly mortgage payment you realistically can afford. Calculators to determine this can be found at The Home Loan Learning Center, which is part of the Mortgage Bankers Association?s web site.

4. Take time to learn important terms and understand their meaning. Become familiar with words used in the home-buying process.

About Your Loan

5. See your lender first. Find out what you can afford before you look at houses.

6. Shop around. Compare the different types of mortgages and the interest rates offered by different lenders. Have the lender validate your calculations and agree that you are qualified for a home loan and monthly payments of that size. Get prequalified.

7. Understand the deal. Ask about closing costs and other fees before you sign the documents. Ask if you will incur costs if you refinance or prepay your mortgage.

8. Work interactively with a mortgage lender. Your lender will likely need to talk with you from time to time and may need additional information. Make sure you get back to your lender quickly so the process can be completed as soon as possible.

About Your Home

9. Avoid emotional buying. Before you look at any house, determine what features you really need in a home and then try to stick to the list you made.

10. Visit as many homes as possible.

Compare Mortgage Rates For Refinancing ? Choosing The Best Refinance Mortgage Option

When refinancing a mortgage loan, homeowners have several options. There are numerous reasons for refinancing an existing mortgage. The past five years have witnessed low mortgage rates. However, low rates will not remain forever.

Before interest rates begin to climb, homeowners should take advantage of their refinancing option.

Which Home Mortgage Lender to Choose?

Many financial lending institutions offer mortgage refinancing. If hoping to secure a good refi loan, it may be practical to use a refinancing specialist. Mortgage specialists are able to address all your concerns. Moreover, they can offer expert advice on which type of mortgage refinancing to choose.

Homeowners who are satisfied with their existing mortgage lender may consider obtaining a new mortgage with the same lender. However, using the same lender is not required. In fact, even if your mortgage lenders offer a good refi loan rate, it helps to obtain additional quotes and compare the different offers.

What are Your Refi Loan Options?

When refinancing a mortgage loan, homeowners have several loan options. Usually, homeowners refinance to lock in a low fixed rate. This way, mortgage payments remain predictable. Many select adjustable rate mortgages below of their low introductory rate. If homeowners choose a mortgage loan with an adjustable rate (ARM), they should anticipate changing rates. If rates falls, ARM?s pose little threat. However, if rates increase, so does the mortgage payment.

Homeowners should also select an ideal term when refinancing a mortgage loan. For example, will they extend the loan term by refinancing for another 30 years, or choose a shorter term and refinance for 15 years.

Cash-out Refinancing Loan Options

Because the average consumer debt is approximately $8,000, excluding auto loans and student loans, many homeowners choose refinancing as a method of reducing their debts. Cash-out refinancing, which entails borrowing from your home?s equity, is perfect for consolidating debts and financing other large expenses such as home improvements.

Before applying for a refinancing, homeowners should do their research and familiarize themselves with the refi process. For example, refinancing involves paying closing fees. Thus, homeowners ought to have a cash reserve or select a mortgage loan that includes the option of wrapping the closing fees into the principle balance.

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