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4 Home improvements that help sell houses Real Estate
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While certain home upgrades provide obvious aesthetic enhancements, it’s important to ensure the projects are worth the expense. The following three home improvements provide especially impressive returns on their respective investments, making them excellent choices to consider with an eye on selling your home. Bath and Kitchen Bathroom and kitchen renovations are great bets, according to the National Association of Realtors. However, ripping out these rooms and building them completely anew is an extreme expense that might not give you an immediate investment return. Instead, check out refinishing services, whose work can provide more value than a full replacement. For example, Miracle Method takes ugly bathtubs, countertops, faucets and other fittings, and refurbishes them to look newly installed. This service will increase the useful life of those fixtures by more than 15 years, at a fraction of the cost and time of a replacement. In fact, company president, Chuck Pistor, started out as a very satisfied customer of this franchise. When he realized
how efficient and economical the concept was for homeowners, he bought the company. Wash Your Windows Newly washed windows can make a huge impression on potential homebuyers. “The difference in the light streaming in, and the overall impression of the home after a professional window cleaning, is amazing,” says Rik Nonelle, president of Window Genie, a well-known window cleaning and window tinting
franchise. Reaching those upper level windows for a good exterior cleaning can be tricky and dangerous to DIY, however. For a more detailed and precise job, consider using a professional service; it’s an affordable way to give your home a facelift. New Floors New floors, particularly the latest in engineered flooring, are high in demand among potential home buyers. It’s no wonder; since engineered flooring is comprised of wood layers stacked cross-
grain and bonded together under heat and pressure -- a process that makes them stain resistant and more durable where pets’ claws and children’s toys are concerned “Today’s engineered floors have the beauty and durability of wood, and are available in every color and style you can walk upon,” says Tom Wood, president of the popular mobile franchise concept, Floor Coverings International. “Investing in new flooring can dramatically increase the resale value of your home.” With its mobile capability, a local franchisee of Floor Coverings International can bring up to 3000 samples right to your door, a great convenience when you are in the process of updating your home for sale. Neutral tones, such as pale gray or a dark walnut stain will make the home-selling process easier. Affordable home improvement franchises and cleaning services that offer great value abound. For those planning to sell their homes in the near future, considering each project’s return on investment is important when choosing which home upgrades to make. -StatePoint
Cost-effective ways to heat your home 5 When keeping your home warm becomes a top priority, utility bills can get pricey. But upgrades featuring new technologies and heating strategies can help lower costs comfortably -plus these changes can also help make your home more environmentally friendly. Zone Heating A central furnace cycles on and off several times an hour, heating your entire house, including unoccupied rooms. But supplemental heating products can warm the living areas that your family occupies most, allowing you to turn down the thermostat for the central furnace. This practice can save up to 40 percent off your heating bills, according to an American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy report. Instead of a utilitarian space heater, consider alternative zone heating tools, such as fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts, which look great and add ambiance.
Wood Stoves In addition to adding ambiance, new innovations are making wood stoves a more convenient way to stay warm this winter. For example, the QuadraFire Adventure II is the first wood stove that maintains a room’s temperature via a programmable thermostat and tells you when to add more wood. Plus, its four-point burn system produces intense rolling flames for powerful and efficient heat, so warming your home can be as simple as loading the wood, lighting the fire, and walking away -- and it can reduce home heating costs by up to 50 percent. And unlike fossil fuels, wood is a renewable energy source. Burning wood completes the last step of the natural carbon cycle of trees, resulting in a zero net carbon impact on the environment. More information about the benefits of heating your home with wood stoves can
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be found at www.quadrafire.com. Annual Maintenance Annual maintenance to your heating system and home can ensure you get the best bang for your utility buck. Have your
heating system serviced for optimal performance. You can also change the filters yourself and should do so periodically. Seal drafts and ductwork so you don’t waste warm air. And remember that not all weather-
stripping lasts forever, so inspect doors and windows and reapply if necessary. With these tips, it’s possible to affordably and comfortably heat your home this season. -StatePoint
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The power of the shower
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Some people hop in the shower first thing in the morning. Others prefer to save the experience for winding down at the end of the day. No matter your preference, there are a number of ways to easily transform your shower space into a productive, relaxing oasis. Here are six ideas to improve your shower, all of which can be completed in the time it takes for you to lather, rinse and repeat. • Clean Up Your Space: A clean, well-organized shower sets the tone for a truly relaxing experience. Declutter by installing shelves or storage pieces.
Some shelves and accessories can pull double-duty, featuring bath safety elements like grab bars to make your shower safer and clutter-free. • Home Spa Experience: Set the mood with music. Install a fan or light that also contains a Bluetooth speaker. For example, Home Netwerks offers an option that even allows you to select the lighting based on your mood. Switch between white LED or soft blue light to set the perfect scene. • Maximize Relaxation: Consider replacing your existing showerhead with an option that offers multiple spray settings,
like the new Magnetix hand showers from Moen, which feature six high-performance spray options, ranging from massage to combinations of soft and forceful, full-rinse sprays. A powerful magnetic dock allows for easy release and replace of the showerhead, so that even with your eyes closed, there’s no need to interrupt your Zen. • Sit Down: Sitting down in the shower is another way to relax while you scrub. For ladies, a shower seat will reduce the strain you put on your back and neck while shaving, and also help prevent spills and falls in the shower. If you’re short on
space, look for a model that folds down to provide a seat when you need it and then neatly tucks away when you don’t. • Maximize Space: A curved shower rod is another great addition for smaller showers. Check out Moen’s curved rods, which provide up to seven inches of additional space inside the shower, and come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any décor. • Beautify Your Surroundings: A bit of greenery can perk up any room. Add plants to give the illusion of a lush outdoor experience. A philodendron is a perfect option
because it doesn’t need soil and can thrive in smaller containers. Bringing aromatic plants into the shower can also help calm the mind. Cut a few sprigs of eucalyptus or lavender and keep them in the shower. As it fills up with steam, the fragrance will carry throughout the room. Take a deep breath and say ah… In a hectic world, take a minute to pamper yourself whenever possible. A relaxing shower will help you tackle anything your day throws at you -- or have you prepped for a good night’s sleep. Don’t underestimate the power of your shower! -StatePoint
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What to look for when replacing windows 9 Unlike some home improvements, window upgrades are complex, involving many moving parts. If you are in the market for an upgrade, don’t rush into a decision until doing some research and evaluating what will work best on your home. Here are things to consider when replacing your home’s windows, according to the experts at ProVia: • An energy efficient glass package: The right windows will protect your home and keep you comfortable all year long, limiting the sun’s rays from coming through and fading your carpet and upholstery, as well as preventing cold air from entering your home in the colder months. “Test your current windows by touching them. If you feel the outside chill and air coming through, it may be time for a change,” says Wanda Angel, Brand Manager for Doors and Windows at ProVia. Seek ENERGY STAR Certified highperformance windows, ideal for the weather extremes particular to your region. They should have multiple panes and feature technologies, such as the ComforTech Warm Edge Glazing System, which offers reduced heat loss, warmer glass temperature and reduced
interior condensation. • Warranty: Windows can cost thousands of dollars. Protect your investment by opting for windows that come with a lifetime warranty that includes glass breakage and seal failure. A comprehensive warranty should also be transferrable to the next homeowner, such as those
from ProVia. This feature can potentially increase your home’s value when you put it on the market. • Weather stripping: Prevent air infiltration through your windows with proper weather stripping. A bulb seal at the bottom of the window, which is a rubberized seal that compresses to the sill,
combined with fin weather stripping on verticals and horizontals, will give you triple weather stripping that acts as a true barrier against drafts, keeping you comfortable and helping reduce utility bills. • Beauty: Your windows, like any exterior element on your home, should complement its architecture and add beauty to your house. While certain architectural styles, such as Colonial, once reigned, there’s a new trend toward American Craftsman homes. Forwardthinking window manufacturers are responding to the call by offering grid patterns, stain and paint finishes suitable for this growing need. Interestingly, a new window program at ProVia offers three new series of windows at a range of price points. The series includes ecoLite, Aspect, as well as Endure windows which come with top level innovations in window performance. To learn more, and to find resources on identifying the right windows for your home, visit www.proviaproducts.com. Make an investment in your home with lasting impact. Seek windows that offer comfort, functionality and beauty for years to come. -StatePoint
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Make your home smell great this fall 11 When updating your home each season, most of the emphasis is placed on delighting your sense of sight. Why not spend some time on your home’s fragrance? To refresh your home this fall, consider these tips: Start Fresh With the cooling weather and new beginnings, autumn is an excellent time of year to do a deep clean, just as many do in spring. Clean your refrigerator, pantries and any other areas that contain food, discarding expired items and wiping down surfaces. Reduce mold in humid areas of your home with ventilation and dehumidifiers. Shampoo rugs and take this opportunity to launder seldomwashed linens, like window treatments, dust ruffles and bedspreads. Dust surfaces, such as your bookshelf, coffee table and knick-knacks.
Add Scents Add inviting, festive fall fragrances to your home with classic jar and tumbler candles that evoke the fall experience from the comfort of home -- whether it’s a walk among falling leaves, an afternoon picking berries or a sip of warm cider. For each room, pick a scent and add candles in a variety of sizes to add a festive feel to the room with both sight and scent. For example, five new fall 2015 fragrances from Yankee Candle are perfect for bringing the outside in, such as Autumn in the Park, which evokes the scent of fresh peeled apple, fallen leaves, lemon zest and a hint of pumpkin, or Sugar & Spice, a swirl of cinnamon, buttery vanilla and sugar crystals. For seasonal decorating inspiration, including festive fall ideas for fragrance and home décor, visit www.YankeeCandle.com. Set to Bake You can use fragrance to entice your family’s taste buds too.
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In fall, it’s time to reunite with your oven and slow cooker. Use in-season ingredients and traditional fall herbs and spices to fill your home with delicious and delightful flavors and aromas. Apple cinnamon crisp and
pumpkin pie make for delightful desserts when the weather cools; and warm, inviting stews, soups and chili using autumn’s hearty harvest should include vegetables like squash, fennel and beets and spices like cumin
and cardamom. Out with the old, in with the new: when it comes to scents and flavors, take time to refresh your home in fall with all the best that the season has to offer. -StatePoint
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