If you lost all of your possessions today, would you be able to list each item and its value from just your memory. That’s the value of a home inventory. Making a detailed list of what you own ensures nothing will be omitted if you have to recall your home contents after a loss by...
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A second house might be an investment, a vacation property or a combination of the two. Regardless of its intended use, a rising number of people are purchasing residential real estate. They see real estate as a safer investment than other investments that might come with increased risks. A National Association of Realtors survey showed...
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Here are ways to prep your house before you hit the road for vacation or holiday travel so it doesn’t look empty and attract the attention of robbers. 1. Simulate activity Controlling your lights with timers only goes so far in faking activity at your house while you’re on vacation, says Mark Clement, home improvement,...
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There was a time when opening your garage door from inside your car was the latest in personal technology. Now, an increased number of smart home appliances are making everyday life a little bit easier. Used alone or together, smart appliances and home automation systems can reduce your energy costs. You can control smart thermostats...
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When it comes to home automation devices, there are more ways to make your house safer, more comfortable and modern than ever before. You can connect appliances, security systems, doorbells and even pet feeders to the internet for automation and remote monitoring. The best home automation devices can help save you time and money. Here’s...
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If you’re looking to buy a house, one of the first questions a real estate agent will ask is what kind of house you’re seeking. Everyone usually has a preference, and knowing what yours is can help your agent understand what options to show you. Because buying a home is a long-term commitment, it’s important...
Read more about Your Guide to the 6 Most Common Styles of Homes
If you’re looking for ways to save money, learning how to reuse household items is a good place to start. These eight common items can work double-duty, stretching their usefulness and your dollar. 1. Cereal bags When you finish your favorite breakfast cereal, keep the plastic bag and reuse it like wax paper to separate...
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Owning solar panels isn’t just for solar enthusiasts anymore. With the steady drop in the price of solar panels, adding rooftop solar panels to your home has become a more viable home investment option. The benefits can include lower electricity bills and an increase in the resale value of your home. But because no two...
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Installing energy-saving technology is a great idea, whether you’re moving into a new place or upgrading your current home. Different devices and types of technology can increase the comfort of your home and help you save money. They can also help you become more environmentally conscious. There’s an increasing array of devices and software programs...
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Remodeling with sustainability in mind is easier than you think, and may generate savings through reduced energy usage. Going green, however, requires more forethought than money to make your home durable, healthy and pleasing. Here are just a few of the options and products you can use to make your remodeling projects more sustainable. 1....
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December, January and February are the leading months for home heating fires. Overall, heating equipment is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire deaths. There are between 350,000 and 400,000 house fires in the United States every year that result in almost $8 billion in annual damages, according to the National...
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Did you know that one home is broken into every 14.6 seconds? Home break-ins may be more common than you think, but taking certain precautions can greatly reduce your risk of a burglary attempt. The infographic below shows a few surprising stats about break-ins and prevention tips that can help you protect what’s important to you.
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There’s a lot of conflicting advice about how to stage a home, and the details often vary with the home and the neighborhood. Talk with your realtor about local trends and buyers’ expectations, and then stage your home with those preferences in mind. “A realtor can see your home through buyer’s eyes and can provide...
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More people are paying attention to what goes into their food, even their healthy vegetables. They see the advantage of buying food that is locally grown because it tastes better, picked at the best moment of flavor. So what could be more local than growing your favorite vegetables on your sunny porch? If you don’t...
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Termites can be stealthy and they can show up anywhere. Particularly in warmer climates these insects can be an issue, cautions Brian T. Forschler, PhD, professor of entomology, University of Georgia, Athens. “I’ve lived in the South for 30 years, and I’ve heard many in the Southern states say, ‘There are two kinds of houses...
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