When the weather starts cooling off in the fall, it is time to move indoors. There are many ways to spruce up your home so that you'll gladly want to get cozy and spend more time inside. Below are some new trends to check out as you consider a home makeover for a fresh new look.

Color Trends

According to some designers "in the know," gray is the new beige. Different shades of gray make any room look cool and rich. If you're not a fan, then stick with cream colors or white, and create visual aesthetics using different textures and shapes. 3-D art can be especially appealing.

If all that gray and beige isn't your thing, then consider jewel tones to add a splash of color. Indigo, peacock blue, emerald green, and fuchsia get your attention in…

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Moving is one of life's most difficult events, particularly for children. To help everyone adapt to the change, there are certain things that you can do in advance of, during, and proceeding the event. This blog contains advice for families moving with kids.

In Advance of the Move

Problems start as you start packing. Communicating is essential. Tell kids what will take place. Include them in the planning to instill excitement. Talk about all of the good aspects of the move and not the people they are abandoning.

On Moving Day

Change is hard on every member of the family. As stressful as it can be, try to stay positive. Your demeanor has a huge influence on your kids and their reactions. The following are a few other things you can do on…

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Did you make an energy efficient improvement to your home this past year? Homeowners who make energy efficient improvements may be able to use tax credits. There are different types of tax credits that can be applied: energy efficiency tax credits and credit for wind, solar, geothermal, and fuel cell tax credits.

Credit for Energy Efficiency

There are many updates that can be made to your home for energy efficiency. This type of tax credit applies to the following energy efficient items:

  • Building components

  • Furnaces

  • Windows

  • Air circulating fans

  • Insulation

  • Roofing

  • Doors

  • Hot water tanks

Certain requirements apply, so check the tax guidelines prior to buying materials…

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If you are wanting to sell your house in the near future or are simply tackling projects, there are certain repairs that are more likely to add value to your home. Some may be more pricey than others. The following are a few ideas for improving home values.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Adding a clean coat of paint is a slight improvement that can dramatically alter the look and feel of a room. To improve resale value, use neutral color schemes. This allows likely buyers to visualize their own possessions in the space instead of being focused on your bold color choices.

Add a Bathroom

If your house only has one restroom, adding even a half bath can make a great difference when you are ready to sell. It is a convenience factor. Separate full…

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You may have heard that selling your home during the fall months, or “off” season, can be more of a challenge than if you list it during the "on" seasons of spring and summer. There are several reasons why this is not always true, especially this year.

Buyer demand has remained strong this fall, so you are less likely this year to see a drop off in showings. You also have less competition from other sellers in the autumn, so your home is likely to be considered as a serious option soon after you list it.

In past years, showings of your home might have dropped off because there are typically not as many buyers in the fall. This year, according to the Realtors Confidence Index Survey there is a strong demand among home buyers and a steady growth…

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Your kids have enjoyed the long, lazy days of summer. They’ve gone to bed late each night and slept late every morning. Unfortunately, your little ones are starting back to school in a few days. You’re worried chaos will ensue. If you can relate to this scenario, you’re not alone. Getting back into the school routine can be challenging. To make this process run more smoothly at your home this year, consider adhering to the following tips.

  1. Prepare School Lunches after Dinner
    Do you struggle to get out the door on time every morning? You might especially encounter difficulties when your kids are in school. Instead of trying to make school lunches each hectic morning at your house, prepare them the night before. Making them right after dinner is a…

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