Energy efficient home maintenance tasks probably aren’t on your list of favorite fall activities. Nevertheless, these home improvements and home maintenance fixes will keep your cool-weather utility costs a little bit lower this fall and winter. Maintain Your Furnace Having an HVAC professional take a look at your heating system can do wonders for your…
7 Steps to Buying Your First Home This Fall
So you’ve decided to buy a home this fall. Congratulations! There are several benefits of autumn homebuying, but before you start thumbing through online listing photos, there are a few educational and financial steps to complete to get yourself in the best shape for a mortgage and homeownership, in general. Here’s how to get on the right track to becoming…
Top 6 Cozy Soups to Try This Fall
You know what that first brisk October morning signals… sweater weather, changing leaves, new in-season vegetables (i.e. pumpkin everything), hot drinks, and (drum roll) HOT SOUPS! Nothing feels better than wearing a turtleneck on your couch with your softest socks, your favorite candle burning, and a warm bowl of soup. To satisfy that craving, we’re…
4 Ways to Grow Your Home Equity
Think of your home as a large piggy bank. With every monthly mortgage payment, you’re putting money into that piggy bank. If or when the time comes that you need it, that equity is there to use to your liking. So how can you increase your home equity at a faster pace? See here. Make…
5 Perks of Buying a House in the Fall
Did you know this week–the last week in September–is considered the Black Friday of Homebuying!? Studies say the week of September 22nd is the best week of the year to buy! Check out 5 reasons why below. 1. You May Find Some Motivated Sellers A home that sat on the market all summer may incline its…
10 Ways to Transition your Decor for Fall
It’s fall! If you’ve been patiently waiting to break out your autumn-inspired décor, here are 10 simple ways to incorporate the feel of fall into your home. Switch Out Pillows & Throws Image via Pinterest As the weather begins to cool, you’ll be spending a lot more time cozied up on the sofa. Switch out your…
DIY: 4 Ways to Upgrade Your Garage Door Without Replacing
While a new garage door is one of the top home improvements for value, the replacement cost often comes with a hefty price tag, nearly $1,600 on average. Here are several ways you can boost your garage door’s look and overall curb appeal while sticking to a budget. Use a Garage Door Hardware Kit Love the look…
9 Plants for Vibrant Fall Color
The colors of autumn are approaching quickly. If your yard falls short each year when it comes to the reds, purples, oranges and yellows of the season, there’s still time to plant so you can enjoy them next year. Add these Midwest native plants to your fall landscaping checklist for colorful foliage. Little bluestem Via Pinterest This Midwest-native…
3 “Phase One” Projects
It’s no question that home renovations can make a big dent in your budget. Whatever you hope to update in your home, whether it’s new kitchen cabinets or fresh shower tile, it can take years to save up. But, don’t despair! While you put away your pennies for those big projects, there are lots of…
13 Dos and Don’ts of the Homebuying and Mortgage Process
Buying a home requires more than signing on the dotted line. From preparing to buy a home to waiting for closing day, there are several things you have to keep in mind to keep your home financing on track and your homebuying experience a positive one. 1. Do get pre-approved first. Getting pre-approved is the number…