Posts in category 'House Tips'

The COVID-19 pandemic kept many people home for the majority of 2020. And while things are definitely looking up, many are still spending more time at home in 2021, which is driving an uptick in home renovations—including landscaping.

So, the question is—what are the trends homeowners are embracing to spruce up their outdoor space?

A recent video from realtor.com outlined the most popular landscaping trends of 2021, including:

• Vegetable gardens. The pandemic saw many people start their own vegetable gardens, both as a way to stay busy and a way to avoid any unnecessary trips to the supermarket. With spring planting season around the corner, vegetable gardening is, once again, poised to be one of the yea...

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The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of Americans under serious financial strain—and in an effort to relieve some of that strain, homeowners across the country are looking for mortgage relief. And for those homeowners, there are a few different options available—namely mortgage forbearance and mortgage deferment.

But what, exactly, is the difference?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the key differences between mortgage forbearance and mortgage deferment. According to the article, while both strategies allow homeowners to suspend mortgage payments for a period of time, the main difference is what happens at the end of that suspension period.

With mortgage forbearance, any payments that were missed are due in a lump sum at the end of the forbeara...

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Autumn is here! And while fall is always a cozy time, this year, coziness has officially emerged as one of the biggest interior design trends of the autumn season.

A recent article from remodeling website Houzz highlighted the biggest trends from the 2020 Atlanta Furnishings Market—including cozy decor and design. Things like camping-inspired pillows, plush throw blankets, and earth tones were definite players at this year's Market.

Which makes sense. As people anticipate spending more time in their homes than usual this fall and winter, there is a desire to make their spaces as comfortable and inviting as possible—making cozy design the go-to trend as we move into the last few months of the year.

The Takeaway:

So,...

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More people are working from home than ever. And if you're working from home, you need a space that not only allows you to focus and be productive, but also feels inviting, warm, and like a space you want to spend your time in.

A recent article from realtor.com outlined quick, simple DIY projects to spruce up your home office and make it a more productive, inviting space. Some of the projects outlined include:

• Hang a wall organizer. If your desk is covered in mail, reports, and miscellaneous papers, a wall organizer is a great way to organize your excess paper (and also add a chic focal point to your wall). A few pieces of wood and leftover scraps of leather make for a stylish (and functional!) wall organizer for your office.
• Frame a dry erase board. Dry erase boards are helpful for keeping track of deadlines and appointments—but they're not the most attractive item. Adding a stylish frame arou...

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Ah, spring! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the windows are finally open! Now is definitely the time to take a realistic look at your home's exterior (and all that goes with it), and do the necessary cleaning, or make repairs or replacements. Winter can be harsh, but springtime is all about renewal!

1. Roof and shingles

Winter storms, snow, and wind can take a toll on your roof shingles, and the summer sun doesn't do your roof any favors, either. If you can, get up on a ladder and really take a good look at the condition of your shingles. Are they loose? Do you see any cracks or wearing? If so, you may want to begin to budget for a replacement roof by next winter. While you're up there, make sure you check any skylights, and clear away debris. Examine the flashing around your plumbing vents and chimney to see if they should be repaired or replaced (by a qualified roofer, of course).

2. Gutters

Make sure your gutters are intact, and...

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