by becky | Nov 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
There’s a 10-second fix for the most surprising offender: recessed lights. Most homes in the U.S. have significant air leaks and not enough insulation. In fact, nine out of 10 of them are under-insulated, according to Energy Star. Those air leaks are expensive. Your...
by becky | Oct 31, 2023 | Uncategorized
Are you haunted by strange noises and weird odors? With the proper maintenance, you’ve got more than a ghost of a chance to rest easy. It’s one thing to hear scary noises and smell weird odors at a Halloween party or your favorite zombie movie. But it’s...
by becky | Oct 26, 2023 | Uncategorized
Wintry weather is great at turning up problems you didn’t even know you had. Like that first snowy night in front of your fireplace that you thought was pure bliss — until you noticed a leak in the ceiling corner. Apparently it was caused by a lack...
by becky | Oct 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
Ah, house hunting. It may technically be shopping, but it can feel more like breaking and entering. Even though you know the seller wants you there, does anyone really want you traipsing through their bedroom? Or looking through their closet? Or digging around in...
by becky | Oct 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
#1 Clean and Stow Your Mower If you’re not familiar with fuel stabilizer, get to know it. In a mower that sits for months with gas in its tank, the gas will slowly deteriorate, which can damage internal engine parts. Fuel stabilizer (about $10 for a 10-ounce bottle)...
by becky | Sep 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
It’s amazing what perennials, mulch, and decorative rocks can do. When you’re looking for your dream home, you might find that it comes with more yard than you’ve ever had before — or had to maintain. These fall yard cleanup tips will help you set up (and...
by becky | Sep 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
When to look for sales on mattresses, appliances, tools, furnishings, and materials. Buying stuff can be stressful. Cheap out and you could regret it. Overspend and you’ll cut into your budget. Knowing the best time of year to buy appliances and other household...
by becky | Sep 14, 2023 | Uncategorized
A fixer-upper with the right things wrong could spell instant equity for you. In a sign of a robust housing market, existing-home prices are expected to rise 5.8% in 2017 over 2016, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. But rising prices, record-high...
by becky | Aug 31, 2023 | Uncategorized
Here’s a surprisingly functional way to achieve a forever-organized home. You don’t need tons of time to achieve the uncluttered, tidy home of your dreams. You just need a strategy to get there — a really simple one that fits into your life without sucking up...
by becky | Aug 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
Do you pay each home-related expense as it comes? If so, you’re missing opportunities for upgrades, or much worse, heading into a financial crisis when a slew of surprise maintenance items hit. So take a holistic look at what it costs to operate your house and set up...
