Posts from October 2014
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13
Fall into your home to-do list
(BPT) - The leaves and the weather don't need to be the only things to change this season. As the cooler temperatures send you indoors, start adding home improvement projects to your to-do list.
Why now? According to a recent survey by Houzz.com, 78 percent of homeowners are looking to improve the look and feel of their space; while 54 percent are looking to add functionality. Here are a few project ideas to get your home feeling and looking fabulous.
From boring to bold baths
The bathroom topped the 2014 Houzz & Home Survey renovation project list - likely since its one room in the house that's used every day. If your bathroom is boring, basic or just outdated, it's time to make a change - even on a budget.
Faucets are a simple and affordable way to instantly renew the look and funct...
9
Rising Incomes to Support Housing Market in 2015
The U.S. economy is showing renewed vigor and is poised for a pickup in growth, according to a recent report by TD Economics, an affiliate of TD Bank.
"Job growth is gaining speed and confidence is rising," says TD Chief Economist, Craig Alexander. "The strength in job growth will support consumer spending and energize housing demand, shifting the economy into third gear."
After averaging 2.2 percent in 2014, the economy is forecasted to grow by 3 percent in 2015. With faster growth, the unemployment rate will continue to fall, reaching 5.5 percent by the end of next year.
Stronger job and income growth will support the housing market. "The dearth of new household formations is strongly related to the l...
4
Home improvements that give you the most bang for your buck
(BPT) - Prioritizing a home-improvement wish list is never easy. Do you put design and aesthetics ahead of functionality? Or do you choose comfort and convenience over energy efficiency and cost savings?
If you've found yourself trying to figure out which home improvement project to tackle next, take another look at your list and see if some of your projects could actually double up on the benefits and give you style, comfort and energy efficiency all at once. The following projects are designed to do just that by giving you the most bang for your buck:
1. Appliance update - Does your dishwasher make so much noise you have to move to another room to have a conversation? Have you replaced the inner plumbing of your toilets at least once? These are indicators that you have older appliances in...
3
10 Tips for Holding a Safe Open House
Open houses can be a great sales tool-but hosting one also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Take these steps to stay safe:
- If possible, always try to have at least one other person working with you at the open house.
- Check your cell phone's strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial.
- Upon entering a house for the first time, check all rooms and determine several "escape" routes. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.
- Make sure that if you were to escape by the back door, you could escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.
- Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full n...
2
Five Steps to Building a Better Credit Score
According to a recent survey by BMO Harris Bank, the majority of Americans (80 percent) across all ages say they are knowledgeable about how to achieve a good credit rating. Half check their score once a year, while 30 percent check it every few years or less. One fifth do not know their score.
On average, Americans believe a good credit score is 660. Among millennials, that number drops to 625, and those aged 35-54 and 55 and older believe a good score is 675.
Overall findings indicate that while most Americans believe they have a solid understanding of what a good credit score is, there is confusion around attaining it. Harris offers a number of basic tips to manage and improve a credit score, including:
Check your credit report. This should be done at least 60-90 days before...