25 Fun Fall Activities for the Family
Ah, fall – that magical time when leaves turn all sorts of colors, the weather starts to chill out, and the holiday season is just around the corner. It's like nature's way of saying, "Hey, let's have some fun!" And guess what? We've got the ultimate list of 25...
Add a Pop of Color to your White Bathroom
Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash Ever thought about adding a pop of color to your all-white bathroom? Well, it turns out designers are on board with this idea too. Those pristine white floors, tiles, and cabinets are starting to feel a bit dull, and...
August 2023 Housing Market
Time for your monthly dive into the housing market trends for August 2023. Let's break it down in a more casual, easy-to-digest manner: Homes Up for Grabs: There were 7.9% fewer homes up for sale compared to last year. Yep, it's a bit of a decrease. ...
Dealing with Natural Disasters
Image by Jan Helebrant from Pixabay As hurricane season comes to the United States, it is an excellent time to review how to deal with natural disasters. Natural disasters are like these totally unexpected curveballs life throws at us. You can't predict when they'll...
Not-So-Typical Ways to Put Together that Down Payment for Your Dream Home
Programs: So, you've got your eyes set on owning a house, but the big bad down payment is standing in your way. You've probably heard that banks usually want a hefty 20% of the home's price upfront. Anything less, and you'll likely end up shelling out for private...
Homemade Soda Cracker Recipe
Photo by Romina BM on Unsplash Yield: 40-50 Crackers Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling dough 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 1 cup whole milk...
Indulge your taste buds with Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse Cake!
Indulge your taste buds with the exquisite Julia Child's Chocolate Mousse Cake. It's the kind of dessert that might just top your culinary experiences this year. This velvety creation is a symphony of rich chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee twist, all wrapped in a...
Let’s Talk Mortgages
Hey folks, let's talk mortgages and what's been happening lately. First off, the big news is that the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, especially those conforming to loan balances of $726,200 or less, took a little dip. It went...
Rent vs. Buy Calculators
It is sometimes difficult to know in a changing real estate market whether buying a home or renting one is better financially. Many people have found that using a calculator designed to answer that question helpful. Realtor.com, as one would expect, has a...
Painted Ceilings: The Hot Trend
Hey there, let's talk about a hot home trend that's really catching on: painted ceilings! It's all about giving your ceiling a splash of color to make it the star of the show. You know how accent walls have been a thing for a while? Well, now people are taking...
The Golden Handcuff Effect
The recent surge in mortgage rates has created what's being called the "golden handcuff effect" for homeowners. Like financial incentives employers offer to keep employees from leaving, low mortgage rates have made many homeowners feel "locked in" to their existing...
The 8 Things You Should Always Buy at a Thrift Store
If your budget is tight and you are looking for ways to decorate your apartment using thrift store finds, consider this list of eight items that can be found at thrift stores: Dressers. A chest of drawers or a dresser is often a focal point in a bedroom. Unique...
Trends in Lighting
Get ready to illuminate your home in style! Lighting is not just practical; it's a fantastic way to showcase your personality and design flair. If you're curious about the hottest lighting trends, read on for expert insights to light up your life! First up,...
Healthy Frozen Banana Popsicles
Hey there, looking for a cool summer treat to beat the heat? How about some delicious and healthy frozen banana popsicles? They're super easy to make, and the best part is they're made with all-natural ingredients, so no guilt here! The recipe is a breeze, with...
5 Tips for Apartment or House Hunting in the Fall
Hunting for housing in the fall can offer unique advantages, but it also comes with its challenges. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your search during this season: Start early: Begin your search as early as possible. Fall is a popular time for people...
Healthy Curried Chicken Salad
Hey there! I've got an awesome recipe for you: a Healthy Curried Chicken Salad with a delightful blend of flavors. You'll love it! To whip up this tasty dish, you'll need a few things like a large bowl, a Chef's Knife, and a Cutting Board. Here's what goes into...
Understanding Leases
Alright, let's dive into the world of leases and break it down straightforwardly! A lease is a rock-solid contract that lays out all the terms and conditions for renting something, like a property, from one party to another. You know, it's like that agreement that...
Your Best Move For Finding An Apartment Before School Starts
Using a real estate agent for apartment hunting before school starts is helpful! They can access all kinds of listings, even ones you can't find online. It saves you so much time and effort because they handle all the searching and setup of viewings based on what...
What Might Happen if Mortgage Rates go down to 5% – Things Could Get Interesting.
If mortgage rates drop to 5%, prepare for some excitement in the housing market! According to a Zillow survey, nearly 40% of homeowners with mortgage rates above 5% are considering selling their homes within the next three years. This is almost twice the number of...
The Affordable Housing Crisis and the Rise of Luxury Apartments
Let's talk about the fascinating rise of luxury apartments amidst an ongoing affordable housing crisis. According to a CNBC report, there's been a significant surge in demand for high-end rental properties across various cities in the U.S. People will go all out for...
Sonoran Hot Dog
Here's a recipe for Sonoran Hot Dogs, a popular regional specialty in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, which originated in Sonora Mexico Ingredients: 4 hot dog buns 4 beef hot dogs 4 slices of bacon 1 cup pinto beans, cooked 1 large tomato, diced 1 small...
A Better Potato Salad
Potato salad is a popular and delicious dish that is often served during gatherings, barbecues, or as a side dish for various meals. This recipe is a unique take on traditional potato salad, with flavor profiles influenced by African American culinary traditions. ...
Finding the Right Off-Campus Apartment
Here are some confident and friendly tips to help you find an off-campus apartment: Start Early: Begin your search well in advance to give yourself ample time to explore options, compare prices, and secure a desirable apartment. Determine Your Budget:...
Mortgage Rates in June 2023
Great news for prospective homebuyers and those looking to refinance! Despite minimal changes in June, mortgage rates, which had surpassed the 6.5% mark in late May, presented some minor dips that motivated borrowers eagerly took advantage of. According to...
What Is Mid-Century Modern Architecture?
Mid-century modern architecture is a style of architecture that emerged in the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1930s to the 1960s. It is characterized by its unique and innovative design elements that focus on simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection with...
Trends In Luxury Home Design
Luxury home design continually evolves, influenced by changing lifestyles, technological advancements, and shifting aesthetics. Here are some notable trends in luxury home design: Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable...
Top 10 Cities In The United States Of America For Families
Choosing the best cities for families depends on various factors, including safety, education, healthcare, affordability, recreational opportunities, and overall quality of life. While different families may have different priorities, here is a list of 10 cities in...
The Current State Of The Housing Market – June 2023
Hey, have you heard about the current state of the US housing market? There's no question that home prices are cooling down after the rapid price increases we saw during the pandemic. Home prices fell year-over-year in February for the first time in 131 months, which...
How to Properly Store Citrus Fruits for Long-Lasting Flavor
In today's world, citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are abundant and easily accessible. However, it's important to remember that they were once considered rare and luxurious. Over time, we have forgotten how to properly care for these fruits to ensure...
Summer Lawn Care Guidelines
If you're looking to keep your lawn in tip-top shape during the summer season, we've got you covered. Check out these easy tips for summer lawn care: Watering Wisely: Watering is crucial in the summer heat. Give your lawn a good drink in the early morning to...