Tag: country_us

A surprising tip to save on heating bills

One of the domestic tasks many of us forget when we say goodbye to summer and welcome in winter is to switch the operating mode on our ceiling fans. Did you know that your fan rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise? The counterclockwise direction is for summer, as it circulates cool air and pushes warm air to…
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Paint, glitter and ghouls: unleashing your inner pumpkin artist

Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s a wonderful time to dress your home and celebrate an ancient pagan and Celtic tradition that dates back more than 2,000 years. When you think of Halloween, you may envision super-scary decorations evoking ghosts and ghouls or kids walking from house to house, trick-or-treating. For me, it’s…
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Spooky features to add value this Halloween

The scariest night of the year is upon us so here’s a look at the most terrifying renovations to add value to your home this Halloween.  A resident ghost A spirit feature can add 20% or more to the value of a haunted house. The final figure is determined by the era of the ghost…
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New home starts a boost for first-time buyers

If you’re a first-time buyer, you’d be excused for looking for any market statistic that will offer a positive outlook. Buying your first property is a wonderful time in your life, but it can come with the challenges of finding the right property and making sure you beat other buyers to the prize. As we’ve…
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Quick guide to lighting that enhances your home

Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance and aesthetics of your home.  Thoughtful lighting design can transform a space, enhancing its beauty, functionality and overall atmosphere.  But selecting the right lights is so much more than choosing your favorite style at the local retail store.  This quick guide will help you use lighting…
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How to choose the right colors for your home

Color is probably the most underestimated element of a comfortable home as it can significantly impact what you think of the space. This is especially relevant for buyers, who sometimes need to use their imagination to see the possibilities of a home that has not been properly prepared for sale. Of course, there are times…
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Pruning for winter without cutting corners

As the shorter days signal the coming of winter, there is one essential task to complete in your garden: pruning back your shrubs and trees so they survive the coming cooler days. Maintaining a garden makes a substantial difference to the value and desirability of your home when the time comes to sell. Gardens can…
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Strategies to boost curb appeal

If you’re preparing to sell your home soon, you’ll be getting lots of advice about the price you should ask, the right time to sell, the state of the local market, and even the right agent to engage. One golden piece of guidance should never be ignored: give your home curb appeal.  A great first…
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Barbie pink palaces that would be gold mines

The world seems to have gone Barbie crazy during the past few months, and her legendary pink “Dreamhouse” has enjoyed a share of the spotlight. The original pink Dreamhouse was built in 1962 in Malibu, California. It’s the only real-life Barbie house, but industry researcher CoreLogic has imagined 20 other pink palaces have been constructed…
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Reduce allergies and breathe easy at home

It’s so frustrating when you believe your home aggravates your allergies. Many homeowners today are conscious of how dust and mold can adversely affect their health and the enjoyment of their homes. It’s one of the reasons why it’s now common for buyers to express a preference for homes with floorboards rather than carpets. You’ve…
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