Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay Condominiums can be an excellent option for first-time homebuyers. With lower upfront costs and great perks, a condo can definitely outshine a traditional detached home in many respects. However, even for new buyers a condo might not be the best choice. Here we will go over the main pros & cons of purchasing...

Image by khathar ranglak from Shutterstock Most times, after moving your property into your new home, you have stacks of empty cardboard boxes to put away. After taking out the contents, you might be wondering what to do with that pile of cardboard. Thankfully, cardboard moving boxes are easy to reuse and can serve other purposes. Break Down...

Photo by marcdenning via Pixabay Adding square footage of living space to your home is always a sound investment. Not only does it give you and your family more space to play, but it adds resale value, too -- even if the square footage you add is outdoors. A well-designed and constructed pergola does both. It provides shade...

Photo by Daniel Tuttle on Unsplash Buying a home, especially for the first time, might feel a little scary—notably if you've learned the home you’re considering for purchase is a zombie property. Even a pro at buying property may flinch when they initially hear this term. No worries, a zombie property is not as frightening as it sounds....

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels While many people planning to build rather than buy are well-prepared for the overall expense, there are some important costs that can be easy to forget. Here are some additional costs of building a home to consider: Land Preparation Buying the land for your new build is a key expense in a...

Photo by Mark McCammon via Pexels Anyone who has ever gone out on a job interview or a date knows how important a good first impression is. First impressions can color the entire way we approach a person and environment. When it comes to your home, you want to create a positive setting that draws people in on...

Photo by Andrew Wilus from Pexels When you're looking for a home builder, you might be tempted to base your decision largely on bids. While price is important, there are a few more factors to take into consideration. Number of Homes Built A new home builder should have plenty of projects in their credit, though they don't necessarily...

Photo by Fotocraft via Shutterstock Many homeowners spend thousands of dollars on improvements and upgrades only to find out that the return on their investment (ROI) is less than $1 to $1. That means that for every dollar spent, the selling price of their home does not go up a corresponding dollar. In fact, very few home improvements...

Image by Chinnapong from Shutterstock The “simple life” is a common phrase but is there such a thing? When defining the words, it’s easy to understand the challenge that comes with pairing them together. Simple (easily understood and presenting no difficulty) + life (existence, being, living). Let's rephrase the quote to say, "The simpler life." Creating a simpler...

Photo by bottlein via Pixabay Your guest room can become a relaxing and inviting retreat -- instead of an afterthought -- and allow you to host visitors at a moment's notice. While decor, bedding and other pieces will help you create a comfortable and inviting space, these tips will elevate your guest room to a luxurious retreat and...

Photo by Expect Best from Pexels Whether you’re buying, selling or simply decorating a home, knowing the differences between architectural styles will put you at an advantage. Some home styles are simple to define and recognize, while others are a bit more complex. Some popular styles, like modern and contemporary, might even sound like the same thing. Despite...

Photo by Zachary Nelson on Unsplash When a style is hot, it's hot. You'll start seeing a particular medium, color or pattern everywhere. But once that hype fizzles, you're often faced with a countertop that seems dated and even loud. Unfortunately, replacing a counter isn't as affordable as getting a new hairstyle. You're stuck with it for a...