Tips - Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips

Hidden Home Fire Dangers That Lurk

More than 47,000 home fires reported to U.S. fire departments involved some type of electrical failure or other household malfunction, according to the National Fire Protection Association.Homeowners sometimes discover that fires can be caused by some unexpected objects. Realtor.com® recently featured some of the hidden fire dangers that may lurk in a home:DishwashersMany dishwasher fires are caused by liquids that come into contact with the app

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Earnest Money Mistakes to Avoid

Once a buyer settles on a home, they often show their commitment with an earnest-money deposit. But if they’re not careful, they could lose thousands of dollars.Realtor.com® recently featured some of the biggest mistakes home buyers most often make with earnest-money deposits, including:Failing to understand exactly what an earnest-money deposit is.It is proof that a buyer is committed to completing the sale. Earnest money is used as credit to

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REALTORS: Help Clients Cozy Up Their Space

Home owners don't need to take on a major overhaul to make their homes feel warmer this winter. Design Sponge blogger Grace Bonney says adding soft fabrics, warm lighting, and textures can help. Imagine how potential buyers will feel as they step in from the cold.Add floor lighting. Keep lamps low and glowing during the winter months to help a space feel cozier and warmer.Use throws. Try a throw or blanket draped along the sofa, chair, or on the

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6 Top Landscaping Trends for 2017

Smart technology, thoughtful -- yet simplistic -- design, and sustainability are the keywords when it comes to landscapes today.“Savvy homeowners are seeking smart landscape solutions, which means we’re finding new ways to adapt to environmental elements, making continued advances in technology and taking outdoor living to the next level,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs at the National Association of Landscape Profes

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Quartz Pushes Granite Countertops Out

Granite is falling out of favor with homeowners. The engineered stone of quartz instead is displacing the long-reigning granite as the top-choice for kitchen countertops.“About 75 percent of our clients are opting for quartz over granite,” Bill Millholland, executive vice president of the design-build firm Case, told The Washington Post. “More people want a contemporary aesthetic in the kitchen, and the clean look of quartz goes with that.

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REALTORS: 5 Home Design Needs for Your Boomer Clients

The number of home buyers ages 55 and older is expected to grow over the next decade, and builders across the country are ramping up to serve them. At the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla., this week, the National Association of Home Builders is educating attendees about how to support the industry's efforts to cater to this segment of the market.In one session, Deryl Patterson, president of Housing Design Matters in Jacksonville, Fl

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STUDY: Kitchen Renos Lead to Healthier Habits

Many homeowners who remodel their kitchen tend to develop healthier lifestyles, according to the 2017 Houzz Kitchen Trends Survey. Of more than 2,700 homeowners surveyed, 33 percent who completed a kitchen renovation say the project prompted them to cook more meals at home, eat less takeout, and consume more fruits and vegetables. Owners of all generations report such lifestyle changes after a kitchen redo, but millennials and baby boomers diverg

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The Best Window Treatments for Sellers

Window treatments offer many benefits to sellers: They can bolster the look of a home's interior, making a positive first impression on buyers, allowing them to envision themselves in the home. They also offer the added value of privacy and potential energy cost savings, an aspect many savvy buyers will appreciate.Furthermore, choosing the right window treatments may enable a seller to enhance a house's curb appeal and could help a residence attr

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