Want to save money in 2023? There are many money-saving opportunities — including tax savings — that you can realize if you take action before the year ends. Here are just a few examples of what to consider: Do you own a business? Even if it’s just a side-hustle to make extra money, you can save on taxes if you make planned purchases this month. For example, if you need a new printer, buy it in...
There’s an interesting psychological characteristic of clutter. We tend to notice it more in other people’s homes than in our own. In fact, we may not even realize a room in our house feels cluttered and uncomfortable to visitors. That’s why making each room look neat and spacious is so important when you’re selling your property.Although the task may seem daunting at first, decluttering is...
Is it really possible to improve your kitchen’s look for about the cost of a takeout gourmet dinner with the family? Obviously you’re not going to be able to do anything major, such as replace the cabinets within that budget. But, there are many surprisingly low-budget ways to spruce up the kitchen. Here are a few ideas for kitchen improvements for under $100: Do you have old cabinets? You’d...
Computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones are becoming more sophisticated. This means they are more reliant upon rare minerals and sometimes toxic chemicals to perform. As consumers, it’s something we are not usually concerned about – until it’s time to dispose of them. When that time comes, you have choices to make. You might consider approaching local school organizations or community...
There are few things more beautiful than cut flowers in a vase. They instantly brighten any room. That is, of course, until they wilt and die. So how do you make cut flowers last as long as possible? Here are some ideas: Cut the bottom of the stems before you put the flowers in the vase. An angled cut is best as this will enable the flower to draw in more water.Add a fertilizer to the water. Most...
If you want to reduce your home energy costs, the easiest way is to turn the thermostat up or down. With these simple home energy saving tips, you probably won’t notice a difference of 2 degrees either way — and the savings can be substantial. However, if you want to lower your bill even further each month, here are some additional tips that are relatively easy to implement: Plug or fix the...
As you may know, staging involves setting up the furniture, art and accessories of each room so that, overall, your home looks as appealing as possible to buyers. It’s similar to what furniture stores do when they create displays of model bedrooms, kitchens, etc. Consider using mirrors to make the bedroom seem larger and more comfortable.Put a new comforter on the bed.Update the wattage or add a lamp...
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid/electric vehicles (HEVs) increase every year. Because of this, purchasers will demand greater accessibility to charging stations. Of course, the most convenient place to recharge is at home. But not all household electrical services will be able to handle the demand. Homeowners will need to consider the power available in their homes for private charging and...
The kitchen is one of the spaces that buyers tend to remember. They may forget the size of the third bedroom or whether or not there’s a closet in the front foyer, but the impression buyers form of your kitchen will linger on. That’s why, when you’re selling your home, staging the kitchen to look its best is so important. Here are some tips: Remove cookware, small appliances (like the...
Chances are, you know that you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year — even if you suspect the batteries are still good. But that isn’t the only fire safety check you should do annually. Here are some other recommended tips to help keep you and your family safe. Clean your stove burners and oven regularly. Hard grease build-up can become combustible.Check your...