Ginger-Molasses Cookies
A sweet and gingery cookie is the perfect accompaniment to a fall dinner, a cup of coffee on a cool morning, or a fresh apple as an afternoon snack. Yield: about 2 1/2 dozen Ingredients 3/4 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/4 cup molasses 2 1/4 cups...
Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili
Delicious, healthy, and easy to make, this slow cooker chili recipe is great for days when you don't want to cook, but still want a rich, rewarding dinner. And don't be afraid to change up the veggies--this versatile dish will adapt to what you have in the fridge!...
How Do Changes in Interest Rates Affect You?
Since most houses are purchased with borrowed money, changes in interest rates do affect the housing market, most commonly through changes in mortgage rates. What is the Interest Rate? Interest rates are the rates at which money can be borrowed for a set period of...
Give Your Roof A Check-Up
The worst way to find out if your roof has a leak is to start to see the damage: water stains, cracks, even mold. When it comes to roofing, prevention is always better than a cure. If you have not checked up on your roof in a few years, autumn is your opportunity. You...
How To Attract Buyers
The most important part of selling your property is marketing it; you need to gather a lot of potential buyers interested in your property to find the best-suited candidate. Marketing nowadays requires multifaceted techniques. For selling a house three of the most...
10 Overlooked Storage Spaces
Ready for more storage space in your current home? Take a look at these ten under-used areas. Behind Doors. You might think there's not a lot of room back there, but consider adding shelving or coat hooks and handing flat items. This is especially useful in cleaning...
When Should I Buy A Home?
Buying a home is a huge dream for many young professionals, but many worry if the time is right. Renting is more flexible—and can even seem more affordable, though that is often a misconception. Some young people feel it is best to invest in a home only after...
How to Rent Out a Property
To successfully rent out your property, you first need to determine the rent amount. This will depend upon the market conditions and the area within which the property is located. Then you will have to determine the right way to find the best tenants for your rental...
Avoid These Common Pitfalls of First-Time Selling
Selling your home for the first time can be surprisingly time-consuming and emotionally challenging. People often make seemingly small mistakes that end up costing them a lot of aggravation and a lot of money. But with a little know-how, you can avoid many of these...
Watermelon Gazpacho
A summer twist on a classic cold soup. Perfect for warm late-summer evenings. Ingredients: 1 large tomato, pureed 1/2 serrano chile 2 cups cubed fresh watermelon 1 teaspoon red vinegar 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons minced red onion 1/2 cucumber, seeded...
Refreshing Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Apple cider vinegar isn't usually a flavor you expect--or even want--in a refreshing summer drink. But this mix of citrus, berry, and dash of vinegar might change your mind. Ingredients: A handful of raspberries or blackberries 1-2 teaspoons of raw sugar or honey 1...
Buy First or Sell First?
All homeowners planning to move face a chicken-or-egg dilemma: Should they sell their current home first and then buy another, or buy a new home first and then sell? The answer depends on many factors, including the local market conditions both where you are selling...
7 DIY Eco-Friendly House Cleaning Products
Though many people prefer using chemical cleaners on particularly difficult messes, all-natural substitutions work just as well for daily problems. These eco-friendly cleaners are also much cheaper in the long term and better for children and pets. Here are 7 you can...
Everything You Need to Know about Adding Solar Panels to Your Home
Installing solar panels on your home saves you time and reduces your carbon footprint. But many homeowners are wary of getting started, perhaps confused by the technospeak, the regulations, or the number of installers. Here's a basic introduction to get you past that...
10 Tips for Your Bathroom Renovation
Is it time to give your bathroom a face-lift? Whether you decide to invest in a major remodeling or are just planning to make some aesthetic changes, here are ten important tips to get the updates just right. If You Are Remodeling. Add more than one way to dry out...
Leave It or Fix It?
When it is time to turn your former house over to its new owners, you might wonder just how responsible you are for its final state. How much information do you need to leave them? What about the holes in the walls from your picture frames? A good rule of thumb is to...
4 Neighborhood Signs that the Market is Good for Sellers
If you’re thinking of selling your home, but you’re not sure about neighborhood market conditions there are some quick and easy ways to learn more. These four signs are all solid indicators that your local housing market is good for sellers, and they are great...
5 Ways to Add Elegance to a Small Room
You know the room--it's smaller, and, despite some lovely features, feels more cramped and less well-organized than the rest of your house. Despite its smaller size, though, this room doesn't have to be a cluttered embarrassment. Here are five easy tips for making as...
6 Ways to Save On Your Next Move
Moving can quickly spiral into a very expensive experience, but it doesn't have to break the bank, even if you aren't interested in doing everything yourself. Here are six tips for homeowners looking to save a little money during their next move. Cut Down On Your...
8 Things You Should Leave For The New Owners
You've sold your home; congratulations! But as you're packing up your stuff or reflecting on when you moved in, you'll probably think of things you wish that you had known about the property when you moved in. Those are the things you should leave for the new owners....
5 Features to Check Before Buying an Old House
Older houses have a special charm. But their age also means some important parts of the house might not be in tip-top shape. Here are five things to check on, either with your real estate agent or during the home inspection. 1. Pipes and Water Filters If there's a...
Develop a Strategy for Your Next Move
No matter the reason for moving to the size of the place you're leaving, relocation is complicated, emotional, and time-consuming. Here are five tips for developing a strategy to make your next move easier. 1. How Did Prior Moves Go? If you have ever tried to move...
10 Tips for the Perfect Interior Paint Color
Are you thinking about painting a room in your house but struggling to find the right color? There are so many different shades and tones that just standing in front of the paint chip section can be overwhelming. But with a little refection the color selection process...
Three Delicious Takes on Lemonade
Lemonade is a summer staple. Here are three new ways to spice up the traditional recipe with new flavors and fruits. Frozen Lemonade with Blueberries: Yields: 4 servings Ingredients: 1 cup lemon juice 1 cup sugar 4 cups ice cubes 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries...
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
Summer is in full swing, and that means the zucchini are coming. Shredding zucchini for use in muffins and quick-breads is a great way to use them up, and add a healthy twist to a great snack. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon...
Think of Your Home as a Financial Investment
Investments, particularly property investments, can be an important and valuable part of someone's savings. If you're wondering how to understand a home as a finical investment, here are five helpful tips: 1. Think about Location The location of a home remains one of...
Add Oxygen to Your Home!
Fresh air can seem like a dream if you live in a city. Even in suburban or more rural environments, a sterile home interior can lack vitality, color--and even oxygen. It's never a bad idea to create a small garden within your walls. Starting a small home garden...
How To Estimate the Value of Your Property
Understanding your home’s market value is beneficial in many ways, even if you're not planing on selling this year. It helps you understand your property taxes and insurance premiums and also helps you make choices about both the necessary and cosmetic renovations you...
4 Reasons Not to Write Off a Short Sale Home
A short sale is a sale in which a lender decides to accept a discounted payoff in order to release an existing mortgage. Many people will tell you not to buy a short sale house, but there is actually a lot to recommend about these properties. Short sales can bring...
Furniture for Every Room
Selecting furniture is key to making a house or apartment both beautiful and useful. Base your furniture selection of furniture on the room's spacing as well as the purpose of the room. Here are some tips! Choosing the Right Pieces Choosing the right furniture is...
