Your home is in the perfect location, came at the perfect price, with the perfect lot. (Yay southern exposure!) But the home itself? Perfect isn’t the adjective you’d use. But you knew that moving in, and now you’re ready to start making it just right. But where to begin? How about with data? Data is that […]
5 Home Remodeling Projects With Top-Dollar Returns Read More »
#1 Go Retro Image: Anna M Campbell Yesteryear’s color palette has made a comeback. Whether it’s avocado green or mustard yellow that speaks to you the most, give your backsplash or cabinet doors a vintage feel with a kitchen color palette that takes inspiration from your chic grandma’s house. #2 Opt for Slide-Out Shelves Make
9 (Totally-DIYable) Kitchen Ideas That’ll Get Insta-Love Read More »
“Well, he seemed legit” is what many homeowners end up saying after realizing they’re out the $1,500 they handed over “for materials” and stuck with a job barely done. While most contractors are honest, hardworking professionals, a few bad apples can spoil it for everyone. Here are five ways to identify if a contractor could
Top 5 Contractor Scams (and How to Avoid Them) Read More »
When it’s time to sell your house, you may be feeling a little anxious. A chapter of your life is closing. There’s a lot of money on the table. You may be thinking “Is my house priced too high?” “Too low?” “Am I leaving too much money on the table?” These are big questions. Luckily,
What You Need to Know About Researching Home Prices Read More »
One of the biggest misconceptions of home buying? The 20% down payment. Here’s how to buy with a lot less down. Buying your first home conjures up all kinds of warm and fuzzy emotions: pride, joy, contentment. But before you get to the good stuff, you’ve got to cobble together a down payment, a daunting
5 Surprising (and Useful!) Ways to Save for a Down Payment Read More »
#1 When You Buy Something, Toss Out Something You don’t have to organize the things you don’t have. “I’ve reached my saturation point with stuff, so I developed a new formula,” says Matt Austin, an artist, and designer living in a 700-square-foot railroad flat in Bushwick, Brooklyn. First, if he hasn’t worn something in two
Fixes for Tight Spaces From Desperate New Yorkers Read More »
Ah, the open house — a chance to wander through other people’s homes and imagine yourself knocking out walls and gut rehabbing their kitchens. This is what dreams are made of (or at least episodes of HGTV). In all seriousness, going to open houses (and scheduled private showings) is one of the most exciting parts
How to Be a Savvy Open House Guest Read More »
Mold strikes fear into the hearts of those who’ve heard horror stories about toxic mold, expensive mold remediation, and denied home owners insurance claims. Yet mold can be found anywhere, including in most homes. It’s usually harmless. Mold needs moisture to thrive. Problems can arise for home owners when the presence of persistent moisture goes
Home Insurance and Mold: Is Mold Covered? Read More »
Ready or not, the tax man’s coming. Filing your taxes yourself may not be your idea of a fun night at home, but even so, it doesn’t really have to be that bad. Yes, even if you own a home. Even if you itemize your deductions. Even if you’re scared of making a mistake. We
How to DIY Your Taxes — and Not Miss a Single Deduction Read More »
If this year is anything like the last, almost 7.2 million Americans will get a tax refund this spring averaging around $3,000. If you’re a homeowner getting this refund, you’re fortunate because you’ve got more creative ways to invest it for a profit. Doesn’t matter if you’re selling, staying put, or stuck in the middle.
