By Yuka Kato
As you begin to prepare for the upcoming winter this year, make sure you give some attention to your home’s heating system. An outdated furnace or heat source could be wasting money each month, while still leaving your home chillier than you might prefer. Keep your house warm this season. The following projects will help you maximize efficiency ...
We have organized the guide into three sections: Before the Move, Moving In and Baby Proofing.
By NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm
On the move with a little mover in tow? Every parent knows having a baby at home is an adventure. Take that everyday baby voyage and mix in moving your home, now your adventure is more like a hike up Mt. Everest! Here’s the good news, if you plan ...
When it comes to making home upgrades, it’s important that sellers remember to go for simple, clean improvements that make homes look more modern and elegant.
LINDSAY LISTANSKISEP 25, 2017
No one wants to spend a fortune when it comes to selling a home, but most want to spruce up a few areas to make their property more appealing to potential buyers. There are several types of small ...
Tired of tan? Getting gloomy from cool gray? Make warm gray your new go-to neutral.
Houzz Contributor, Jennifer Ott
You may have noticed that gray is everywhere these days when it comes to home design and decor. Just about every product and material supplier I talk with is rushing to bring more gray products to the market. I’m noticing a bit of pushback, however, ...
Guest post by Laura McHolm
Designing a floor plan in your new home is a step that is frequently overlooked. However, it is essential to create a floor plan for your new home before you move. Not only is it the step that saves you money on moving day, it also transforms a new house into your new home.
If you have a plan for where each piece of furniture will be ...
Houzz Contributor, Pauline Warlet
Household chores are a fact of life — no matter how we tackle them, there’s no getting around them. Sometimes we divide them up among family members and try to turn them into a game; at other times, we simply integrate them into our weekly routine. Either way, we’re eager to make them as easy as possible, and we want our tactics ...
Add your own flair to your home through art with these creative & inexpensive ideas.
ALEXANDRA FILIACISEP 19, 2017
Your home should reflect your personality, interests, and all the people and things you love. One of the easiest ways to accomplish that is through the artwork you display around your home. When my husband & I moved into our apartment, we initially worried about finding ...
Guest post by Lauren White
We live in a fast-paced, plugged-in world. Many of us don’t have the time to get outside and enjoy nature. This is unfortunate, as studies show that nature is an important part of our health and well-being. If you’re starved for the sounds, textures and moods of the great outdoors, bring the outdoors in! You can integrate the natural ...
Sellers looking to get the best price know that curb appeal plays a huge role in making the sale, even in the fall when the leaves begin to fade. Here are five simple ways to make the most of what fall has to offer and boost your curb appeal.
MELINA GILLIESSEP 1, 2017
Sellers looking to get the best price know that curb appeal plays a huge role in getting buyers through the door. Once the ...
Not sure what element to make the attention getter in your room? Find some great choices here.
SHARON LEESEP 7, 2017
Houzz Contributor, Gabrielle Di Stefano
Well-designed rooms often have a focal point — the first thing your eye sees when you enter. Choosing the right item to emphasize sets the tone and mood for a space. Whether it’s an architectural feature, a ...
Millennials are moving into the current housing market and changing the home buying trends.
SHARON LEEAPR 14, 2017
Millennials, America’s largest generation, are moving into the current housing market and changing the home buying trends. As expected, rising real estate prices, higher costs of living, and other socio-political factors play into the new home buying trends. Research shows ...
You listed your home for sale, but the home isn’t selling! Learn the simple things you can do to sell your home faster with Coldwell Banker real estate agents.
ALEXANDRA FILIACIAUG 7, 2017
You listed your home for sale with high hopes. You love your property and you felt certain that it would sell in a reasonable amount of time. But it’s been several months since you ...
Take your entry from scuffed up to spiffed up, restoring total cleanliness and order in just a week.
VICTORIA KEICHINGERAUG 31, 2017
Houzz Contributor, Laura Gaskill
A neat, chic entryway gives visitors a positive first impression and makes coming home a pleasure. But between the daily influx of mail and a household’s worth of coats, shoes and bags, this space ...
Sellers looking to get the best price know that curb appeal plays a huge role in making the sale, even in the fall when the leaves begin to fade. Here are five simple ways to make the most of what fall has to offer and boost your curb appeal.
MELINA GILLIESSEP 1, 2017
Sellers looking to get the best price know that curb appeal plays a huge role in getting buyers through the door. ...
Here’s how the environmentally-minded keep their lawns trim and lush—while sparing the Earth at the same time!
ALEXANDRA FILIACIYESTERDAY
This is the time of year when you look outside at your dry husk of a lawn and think, “I should really do something about that.” But before you go running out to set up a sprinkler system the size of Niagara Falls, you ...
Make your move less stressful by taking these steps to protect yourself and your belongings
VICTORIA KEICHINGERJUL 13, 2017
Houzz Contributor, Laura Gaskill
From horror stories of lost, stolen and broken items to surprise charges tacked on to an already high bill, moving is not for the faint of heart. And after recently pitching in to help my mom through a downsizing and a ...
In the past, there were trends that most of us tried to adhere to, but for today’s taste, the “New Modern” look is a variation of past, present, and future. Today’s look allows you to showcase your personality.
DEBBIE WEBBJUL 18, 2017
Eclectic is the word used most often in today’s New Modern interior design. There is a “secret” yearning ...
In most parts of the country, home buying is better than renting. Discover the advantages home buyers have in today’s market that renters are missing out on.
ALEXANDRA FILIACITODAY
Why Buying a Home is Better than Renting
Conventional wisdom used to state that buying a home is always a great investment. But after the housing crisis, many people who saw their equity sliced ...
Get ideas for arranging your clothes closet with 8 combinations of shelves, hooks, rods and drawers.
VICTORIA KEICHINGERJUL 6, 2017
Houzz Contributor, Laura Gaskill
Large, luxurious walk-in closets may be the stuff dreams are made of, but they are not always the reality. If the closet space you have to work with is on the petite side, there’s still plenty you can ...
Life at home should always be great – not just for the humans who live there, but for the furry members of the family, too!
Life at home should always be great – not just for the humans who live there, but for the furry members of the family, too! When looking for a new home, it’s important to consider how the move will impact the quality of your dog’s ...
Trying to decide on purchasing a new construction or older home? Read about the Pros and Cons of both and decide which option is best for youWhether you are buying a new or old home, there are plenty of things to think about.
Pros and Cons of New Construction Homes and Older Homes
When searching for your home, keep in mind that you are in control of the transaction. You choose your real ...
A touch of this light green can freshen up any room or style.
VICTORIA KEICHINGERTODAY
Houzz Contributor, Laura Gaskill
If pre-remodel bathroom tiles are what immediately come to mind when you think of mint green, think again. There’s a lot more to this hue than retro appliances and vintage bathrooms. From bungalow charm to midcentury cool (and beyond), mint is a design ...
Photo credit: Crate and Barrel
A great outdoor space is at the top of many home buyers’ checklists. So even if your listing doesn’t include a large lawn or an over-the-top patio, it’s important to show buyers that the home still offers the perks of an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Be sure to avoid these common outdoor staging mistakes.
1. Overgrown Landscaping
Banish ...
Before finalizing your home buying process, a home inspector should look over the property you want to buy to ensure that everything is in good shape.
VICTORIA KEICHINGERJUN 9, 2017
Before finalizing your home buying process, a home inspector should look over the property you want to buy to ensure that everything is in good shape before you make the purchase official.
A real estate agent ...
In. Out. Repeat. Sound familiar? Stop playing doorman and install a pet door in your home with this guide.
SHARON LEETODAY
The first and most important step in determining whether a pet door is right for your home is to consider what issues might come from your pet’s new-found freedom. For instance, does your dog or cat have a tendency to run away? Or, do you live on a busy ...
If you have a smaller bedroom than what would be considered “standard” by a home expert (this issue is common in some Philadelphia townhomes) and want it to appear bigger, simple solutions are at your fingertips.
LOUISE GAILLARDTODAY
If you have a smaller bedroom than what would be considered “standard” by a home expert (common in some Philadelphia townhomes) and ...
Spring and summer are hot when it comes to real estate, and it is often seen as a seller’s market. However, there are great reasons the summer season can aid buyers in their real estate search. Here are the top-three reasons to buy in the summer.
MELINA GILLIESJUN 1, 2017
It’s no secret that spring and summer are hot when it comes to real estate, and it is often seen as a seller’s ...
The hottest color in home decor right now is something that might surprise you: Millennial Pink. But don't be put off by the name. Just because it has a generation right there in the name doesn't mean it's not for everyone.
In fact, Millennial Pink isn't even one color. You can't go to Sherwin Williams and ask for it by the name. Apartment Therapy's Nancy Mitchell ...
Ditch the candles. Here are 5 housewarming gifts that won’t get regifted.
SHARON LEEMAY 10, 2017
Living in a small apartment requires serious Tetris skills to store items that you don’t use every day. We can’t give the gift of extra space to our friends who move into small apartments, but we can certainly be more thoughtful when it comes to housewarming gifts. ...
Your life at home with children will be easier if your house has some version of these features.
VICTORIA KEICHINGERAPR 12, 2017
Houzz Contributor, Laura Gaskill
If you have kids (or are planning to) and you’re shopping for a house, your what-to-look-for checklist is probably already a mile long. To avoid getting swamped by the home buying process, focus on what you really ...
Coldwell Banker agents share the top spring selling season trends they’re seeing in their markets.
ALEXANDRA FILIACIAPR 28, 2017
Spring selling season is in full swing, and everyone knows that means real estate markets are heating up all over the country. But what does that really mean — and how do these trends vary from market to market? We turned to those who know ...
Buying a home can be a great way to build wealth and protect your assets. Learn how home ownership can be a great investment decision for your financial security.
SHARON LEEYESTERDAY
Some people may think of buying a home as a stressful experience that comes with an enormous commitment that can burden you for years. However, buying a home can be a great way to build wealth and ...
If you want to buy an older home, there are a few important issues you should be aware of before you close the deal. Here are some ways to help avoid future heartache.
SHARON LEETODAY
There can be something quite romantic about buying an older home. Prospective homebuyers are often smitten when they first encounter the unique character and charm of a 100+ year-old home. ...
Create the Perfect Backyard Party Pad for Three Celebrations
SHARON LEEAPR 6, 2017
Guest Post by Home Depot
Warm weather is upon us, and it’s time to take the party outside. From Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day to Memorial Day, spring’s signature celebrations deserve a festive and welcoming outdoor space. But what if your patio feels a little plain, ...
Post, share, like, comment, repeat. Are you ready? Your property is about to go viral.
CARA AMEERMAR 14, 2017
Post, share, like, comment, repeat. Virtual showings via Facebook live, an engaging tweet promoting the new listing and THE money shot on Instagram. Aerial photos and videos captured via drone. Property videos on You Tube and taking a tour in virtual reality. Are you ready? ...
Buying a home can raise some emotional concerns. Before you make an offer on the house, here are 5 things you must remind yourself.
SHARON LEEMAR 24, 2017
We have calculus and chemistry classes, but there is no formal education system to prepare for one of the biggest events of a lifetime: buying a home. There are countless resources about the process and legalities of buying a ...
Kids rooms have evolved into comfortable spaces reflecting the tastes and interests of their young occupants. The hottest design trends for 2017 include incorporating natural and authentic elements, wallpaper, vintage and “found” decor, and Danish hygge.
JULIET GROSSMAN, REALTORTODAY
Kids rooms have evolved into comfortable spaces reflecting the tastes and interests ...
Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is a monumental moment in a family’s life. If you’re a first-time parent and you’re not sure of all the ins and outs of baby-proofing, read on for an essential guide to making your DFW home safe.
AUDREY SELLERSFEB 16, 2017
Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is a monumental moment in a family’s life. It’s ...
Wondering if it may be time to buy your first home? Take a look at this before you get started.
LINDSAY LISTANSKIFEB 28, 2017
As I approach my four year “homeaversary” I decided to take a moment to reflect on all that I had on my mind as my husband and I prepared to make the biggest purchase of our lives. Here are some of the things I wish I had known ...
Selling your home can be stressful. Here are 5 ways to stay focused and positive as you sell your house stress-free.
SHARON LEEMAR 3, 2017
You’ve made the decision to sell your house. You may have been mulling it over for years, or perhaps a sudden life change has prompted you to make the leap. Whether you’re relocating for a job, empty-nest downsizing, or just ...
