Home Owner Tips & Tricks

Most people have heard that annoying sound – a mouse running through the wall or in the rafters of the garage. Often these problems can be solved quickly by luring them out and plugging the openings they entered through. But what if the unwanted animals are in your chimney? With the colder weather, an evening by a warm fire sounds wonderful, but you may find that a family of critters has moved in and needs to be evicted before using.

Weekend TV lineups are filled with Do-It-Yourself home improvement programs. One home inspector used to call the results “six-pack projects.” While not all DIY projects end in disaster, some projects can harm home sales because buyers see these “improvements” as changes they will need to make once they buy the house. If you are planning to sell soon, it’s important to realize that potential buyers may not be as impressed with your handiwork as you are.

One of the most exciting parts of expecting a baby is decorating the nursery. Today’s young parents are shunning the traditional pink and blue for more contemporary styles that blend with the rest of the home. With themes ranging from boho to Mid-Century Modern, there are options for all styles and budgets.

Natural design elements have been on trend for the past few years. Sustainable wood, stone, and fabrics add simple beauty to spaces in all parts of the home. The color palette of these materials tends to be soft beiges, creams, and browns; lovely tones but without a pop of color, create cool, drab rooms that lack personality. In keeping with the natural theme, designers and stagers are using plants to add dimension and warmth.

Kitchen remodels are the most popular project among homeowners. Who hasn’t dreamed of the perfect kitchen? Most of us, however, don’t have the budget to hand the entire design off to a professional and choose the fixtures, appliances, and extras ourselves. As a result, we don’t always end up with the chef’s kitchen we imagine.

Owning a home may feel like a never-ending list of to-dos. It can feel like all you do is clean and maintain your house and yard. There is a lot of truth to this, but homeownership is one of the best ways to increase wealth, so maintaining your investment is critical to your financial well-being.