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Are you looking to shake things up a little this Thanksgiving? The last two years have certainly been a challenge, and putting a fresh spin on the holiday can be just the ticket to re-energize your holiday gatherings. We’ve gathered a collection of some of our favorite unique traditions to share with you. We think that these ideas can be a fun way to celebrate the season and have you feeling more grateful than ever.

Create a thankful table

It’s fun to give your guests something to do while you’re making all your last-minute meal preparations. So instead of using your regular fabric tablecloth this year, roll out a long sheet of craft paper instead. Then give your guests pens and markers to write down what they’re thankful for. It’s something you can keep and look back on fondly in years to come.

Make an interactive centerpiece

Collect a few branches from outside and place them in a vase in the center of your Thanksgiving table. Then give your guests little cards with strings attached. Ask them to write down what they wish for in the coming year. They can then hang them from the branches. It will create a beautiful centerpiece and can be a wonderful conversation starter.

Have a virtual happy hour

One silver lining of the pandemic is that it forced us to find new ways to connect virtually. Even though you may be hosting an in-person event this year, schedule a virtual happy hour so those that can’t make it can still enjoy the time together. You can schedule it before or after the meal – or even during the meal so you can all eat together!

Collect donations

This is the season of giving, so why not extend that to your own Thanksgiving celebration? Invite your guests to bring a canned good or other non-perishable items that can be donated to a local food pantry. Or raise money for your favorite charity.

Try a new recipe

Everybody loves the staples of the Thanksgiving table and have come to expect turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all the fixings. Why not mix things up a little by trying out a new dish this year? It can be something that reminds you of a loved one or that makes you feel tied to your family’s history. Share the recipe with your guests so they can recreate it at home.

Take a walk

Instead of plopping down in front of the TV after dinner and watching football, why not take a walk? It’s a wonderful way to work off some of those Thanksgiving calories and gives you a chance to connect with all your guests. When you come back home you’ll be ready for dessert.

Take a group photo

Finally, keep a lasting memory from your Thanksgiving celebration by taking a group photo. You can make it even more fun by providing fun costume pieces or even matching t-shirts that your guests can take home with them.

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The holiday season is officially here. While this time of year can bring loads of good cheer, it can also bring up some anxiety when you start thinking about all the extra money you’ll be spending. From preparing Thanksgiving dinner to starting your holiday shopping, this time of year puts a real dent in your wallet. And with inflation continuing to squeeze our bank accounts, you may be wondering if there’s any way that you can save some money right now. That’s why we’re offering our best money-saving Thanksgiving tips so that you can enjoy the season without having buyer’s remorse come January.

Determine your priorities

If you’re trying to make every dollar stretch this year – and who isn’t? – then it’s important to determine your priorities this holiday season. Do you want to host a lavish Thanksgiving dinner with your loved ones? Then consider scaling back on the number of gifts you buy this year.

Are you hoping to travel to visit family and friends you haven’t seen since the pandemic? Then figure out where you can cut costs elsewhere to comfortably afford those added travel expenses.

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Stick to your budget

It is so easy to overspend during the holidays. Impulse buying can be tempting, especially if you have lots of people on your gift list. To keep costs in check, make a budget. Then keep checking in on that budget to make sure you’re spending is staying within those limits. If you find you’re going over in one area, then you can make adjustments in another. That’s why we strongly recommend determining your priorities this holiday season.

Choose simple decorations

We know how fun it is to deck the halls this time of year. But you can easily create that wonderful holiday ambiance you’re after without spending a ton of cash. Homemade decorations – especially those made by your kids – can make your home feel just as festive. For a pretty and free Thanksgiving centerpiece, collect things like pinecones, nuts, and evergreen branches from your backyard and arrange them in a beautiful bowl.

Streamline your feast

Nobody said you have to make a turkey and a dozen different side dishes to have a real Thanksgiving feast. Instead, focus on a few favorites and one or two desserts. Everyone gets so stuffed during Thanksgiving that nobody is going to feel like they’re missing out. And don’t be afraid to have a potluck-style Thanksgiving feast if you are hosting. Your guests will no doubt enjoy chipping in, and it will both reduce your spending and your stress for the meal.

Shop smart

Finally, when you’re shopping for your Thanksgiving meal, be smart about it. Look for coupons and focus on seasonal produce. Don’t be afraid to shop around a little as most stores will be offering deals this time of year. The same is true for shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Make a list of those gifts you need to buy and shop around for the best deals on those gifts.

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Owning a home means keeping up with all the repairs and maintenance that the home needs. Issues will invariably arise over the years. Things like plumbing and roofing leaks may be too complicated to repair for a regular homeowner. Hence, hiring professional plumbing and roofing services is necessary. For blocked drains, you may have to seek professional drain cleaning services.

However, not all maintenance and repairs require professionals. That’s why it can be such a huge advantage to learn some simple DIY skills. If you’re a homeowner or will become one soon, then these are the most important DIYs that you should know.

Know how to paint

Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update the look of your home. A fresh coat of paint can instantly revitalize a room and make it look fresh and modern. If you’re a homeowner, then you should familiarize yourself with the process of painting a room. This includes how to tape fixtures and baseboards, which brushes or rollers to use, and what colors and finishes work best in each type of room.

Know how to replace filters

Another easy task that all homeowners should know how to do is to replace air filters, especially in their furnaces. While we understand that doing any other work on a furnace or residential hvac system requires a call to a pro, changing the filter is a regular task that will keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently. Find out what kind of furnace filter you have and whether they need to be changed or cleaned. Complete this chore every year to extend the life of your heating system.

Know how to unclog a drain

Calling a plumber for maintenance and repairs can be expensive. That’s why you should learn how to unclog the drains in your home, including those in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Drains can become clogged easily, and you’ll save yourself quite a bit of money learning this simple DIY. It may take some time and effort on your part to get the drain running cleanly again, but we promise you’ll be happy you learned this skill.

Know how to unclog a toilet

Another common plumbing problem you’ll face as a homeowner is a clogged or constantly running toilet. This is another DIY you should learn so that you can save money by not having to call in a professional. Most of the time, all you will need to fix a clogged toilet is a plunger and the right technique. Fixing a running toilet takes a little more know-how and may require dismantling part of the toilet, but it’s a simple repair that anyone can do.

Know how to seal drafts

Do you want to save money on your home energy costs? Inflation is making it harder for many Americans to afford everyday items, let alone high energy costs. That’s why we strongly recommend learning how to identify drafts in your home and how to seal them. Drafts usually come from doors and windows and can be sealed with caulk, foam filler, or weatherstripping. Sealing drafts will not only save you money but will also keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Your kitchen can make or break your home sale. Kitchens are the heart of any home, and most buyers put updated kitchens at the top of their wish lists. So what happens if you’re selling a home that has, let’s say, a less-than-contemporary feel? Do you need to invest thousands or possibly tens of thousands of dollars for a complete rehab? Fortunately, in most cases, that isn’t necessary. If you want to refresh your outdated kitchen, then check out these kitchen remodeling tips that will give you a quick, easy, and affordable update.

Paint wood cabinets

Pine and other woods were very on-trend…several decades ago. While some buyers may appreciate the look of natural wood, most want something more modern. If you have pine or other wood cabinets, then consider giving them an update with paint. While this particular job may require some time and effort on your part, it is affordable and will transform the look of your kitchen.

Swap out hardware

Another easy and affordable way to quickly refresh your outdated kitchen is to swap out hardware and faucets. It seems like such a small thing, but cabinet hinges and drawer pulls are the like the cherry on top of the cake. They can take your kitchen from drab to fab in an instant. The same is true of sinks. By simply choosing from more modern-looking kitchen sinks with water-saving features, your kitchen will be much more attractive to potential buyers.

Refresh your color palette

When was the last time you updated the color scheme of your kitchen? If Reagan was president at the time, then it’s time to make a change. Colors go in and out of style every year, so updating your kitchen’s color palette can also make it far more appealing to buyers. Choose bright, neutral colors that will bounce light around the space and make it feel more spacious and clean. These colors can also be your guide when choosing new countertop finishes like granite countertops. 

Change up the lighting

Lighting can also dramatically affect the look and feel of your kitchen. If you haven’t updated your lighting fixtures in a long time, then this is another way you can quickly and cheaply upgrade your kitchen. There are many choices at most home improvement stores and online and they are often easy to install yourself. Also, consider adding smart lights to your kitchen that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone. You may also consider these mr16 bulbs.

Add new decorative touches

Is your kitchen currently full of roosters, cartoon chefs, or drawings of wine bottles? Do you have lots of word signs placed around your kitchen that say things like “Eat” or “Live, Laugh, Love”? Then it’s time to do a decorative refresh. Word signs and country decor have gone out of style with today’s homebuyers. Most buyers are looking for sleek, modern, and minimalist kitchens that have plenty of space and are easy to keep clean. Remove all the old decor and keep any new decor to a minimum. Swap out curtains for simple window treatments like roman shades or even a window film that maintains privacy but lets in plenty of natural light.

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There’s no denying that it’s been rough out there for homebuyers over the last couple of years. Demand has been high and the supply of homes for sale has not been able to keep up with that demand. It hasn’t been unusual for buyers to submit offers on multiple houses before finally having one accepted. Which can make it all the more crushing when that deal ultimately falls through. Why does this happen? Let’s take a closer look.

Rising interest rates

The federal government has recently raised interest rates in an effort to curb inflation. As a result, interest rates for mortgages have almost doubled over the last year. Many buyers began their home searches before this drastic increase. The homes they once thought they could afford are now out of reach because of the rise in rates. Higher interest rates mean you won’t be able to borrow as much as before. If you got pre-approved for a loan several months ago and are making offers based on that information, then you may not ultimately qualify for that mortgage in today’s market. To avoid this problem, be sure to lock in your interest rate. Check-in with your lender once a month to make sure your estimates are still accurate. If needed, shop around for a different loan. You may also be able to lower your interest rate by paying for points upfront.

Low appraisal

Another reason that your deal may fall through as a buyer is because of a low appraisal. In the frenzy to get an offer accepted, some buyers have offered well above the listing price. But when it comes time to have the home appraised by the lender, the appraisal comes in for less than the price offered on the home. If you don’t have the extra cash to cover the difference, then your deal can fall through. Avoid offering more than you can afford, or ask the seller to renegotiate the price if the appraisal comes in low.

Increased debt

Inflation has put a serious dent in everyone’s wallets. With prices for everyday goods rising as fast as they are, many have turned to credit to keep up with daily expenses. But if you’re in the process of buying a home, be careful. Your lender will be evaluating your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) during the closing process. This is how much money you owe each month compared to how much you earn. The lower your DTI, the better. Most lenders will be looking for a DTI of 45 percent or less. If your DTI is higher than that or has increased significantly since you got preapproved for your loan, that could spell trouble. Avoid taking on any new debt while you’re house-hunting or it could jeopardize your deal.

You’ve found a better deal

Not all deals fall through because of a problem the buyer is having. Sometimes, you may end up finding a more affordable home. Home prices are falling, and you may decide to back out of a deal if you find a better option. Take into account contingencies on your contract as well as any earnest money you may potentially lose to decide if this is the right course for you. You might also try re-negotiating the selling price because of the new market conditions.

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It’s been challenging for buyers in the housing market over the last couple of years. And even though demand for homes has eased and more homes are now available, the housing supply continues to remain low. If you’ve been having trouble finding a home, then it might be time to expand your search to include condos. Luxury condos for sale can be a great alternative to traditional single-family homes, but there can be disadvantages as well depending on your needs. I recommend you the Altura EC property. Altura EC offers modern and sophisticated unit designs, with elegant finishing touches from renowned developers Qingjian Realty and Santarli Construction.

To know more, here’s what you should take into consideration if you’re thinking about buying a condo.

You’ll only own your unit

Unlike a single-family home where you own the home itself and the property surrounding it, when you buy a condo you only own your unit. The unit is usually part of a larger building or a development. The building and the land around it will belong to another party, usually the Homeowners Association (HOA). For some homebuyers, this can be an attractive feature of condo life. It means you’re only responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your unit. The building itself and the land surrounding it will be maintained by someone else hired by the HOA. You may also protect your unit by getting a condo insurance policy.

Condos may be more affordable

Condos can be a more affordable option than a sing-family home. This can be a great way for first-time buyers to finally make their dreams of homeownership a reality. Hillock Green Condo boasts a close proximity to childcare centers and various F&B outlets, along with a supermarket at ground level, ensuring convenience for residents. And there are often additional amenities available to you that you may not have in a single-family home such as a pool or a gym. However, you need to also consider the monthly costs you’ll incur as a condo owner that you wouldn’t have if you purchased a single-family home. This includes HOA fees and building insurance fees. You’ll want to factor those costs in when determining whether a condo is right – or more affordable – for you.

Be aware of possible assessments

If your condo’s HOA is run well, then it has a reserve of money saved up to pay for expensive repairs, such as the replacement of the roof or HVAC system. But if the HOA is poorly managed and does not have sufficient cash for these repairs, then all condo owners may suddenly get a huge and unexpected bill in the mail. When you purchase a condo, you will be given the opportunity to look at the HOA’s books. This will let you know of any large assessments that may be coming down the line and whether or not the HOA is in a good position to handle them.

You’ll have to abide by the HOA rules

When you purchase a condo, you’ll be given a copy of your HOA’s CC&Rs, or Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. This tells you explicitly what belongs to the HOA and what belongs to you. This makes it clear who would be responsible for condo roof inspections, repairs and maintenance. It will also tell you the rules of the HOA. This can include restrictions for parking, laundry, noise, pets, or improvements you want to make to your unit. If you’re seriously considering buying a condo, then make sure you’re comfortable with these rules.

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The big day is here! Halloween is one of those holidays that some people – especially kids – look forward to all year. Handing out candy to trick-or-treaters or inviting people over for a party is one of the pleasures of the season. But if you waited until the last minute to decorate your house for Halloween, don’t worry. There are quite a few quick and easy things you can do to make your home look spooktacular! These are our favorites.

Trash-bag spider

If you have a black plastic trash bag or two handy, then you have everything you need to make a spider. All you have to do is fill one bag with leaves or paper. Then cut long strips from the other for the legs and tape them on. Place it wherever you like! This is a perfect decoration for outdoors. However, if you’re hanging them on higher floors of your home, you can use equipment for safety.

Paper bats

Another easy last-minute Halloween decoration you can make is bats. Just grab some black construction paper and draw flying bats on the pieces. Cut them out and attach them to the walls or the ceiling. If you have fishing line or even thread, you can also attach them to the bats and hang them from the ceiling so they look like they’re flying.

Floating witch hats

While you’ve got the black construction paper out, you can also make floating witch hats. Simply cut and tape the hats together and then hang them from the ceiling with fishing line or thread. These also look great hanging on your front porch.

Wine bottle mummies

Make your bar look a tad creepier by crafting a few wine bottle mummies. All you need to do is wrap the bottle with white ribbon or even masking tape and then stick on a pair of googly eyes.

Door mummy

Continuing with the mummy theme, you can turn your front door into a giant mummy, too! Just take some white party streamers and wrap your door in them. Tape on some scary-looking eyes to complete the look.

Pumpkin cooler

Another great idea for your bar will also keep your drinks cold. Simply take a pumpkin and carve out the inside. Then fill it with ice and bottles of your favorite beverage. It’s both practical and adorable!

Toilet paper pumpkins

If you have some orange or yellow scrap fabric laying around, then try making toilet paper pumpkins. This is one craft that couldn’t be easier. Simply wrap a roll of toilet paper in the fabric. Add a stick to the top and you’re done!

Pumpkin balloons

Another easy way to make pumpkin decorations is with balloons. Blow up orange balloons either with air or with helium if you have it. Then cut out eyes, noses, and mouths from black construction paper and tape them on. You can also draw them on with a black marker.

Tomato cage ghosts

Finally, don’t forget to add a spooky Halloween element to your yard, too. If you have tomato cages left over from your summer garden, you can turn them into ghosts. Turn each cage upside down and put a white pillow case over the top. Add eyes and a mouth with a black marker or paint. You can even make them glow by adding string lights inside. Your guests will love them!

Halloween is the scariest time of the year, and not just for those adorable trick-or-treaters. In fact, there are more home insurance claims on Halloween than on any other day of the year. As a homeowner, you need to know what kinds of claims are common on this holiday so you know what to avoid. Let’s take a closer look.

Fires from candles

It just doesn’t feel like Halloween unless you have a jack o’ lantern glowing with the flames from a candle. But those candles can wreak havoc on your home. It doesn’t take much for a candle to get knocked over, which can set everything around it ablaze. If you are going to use real candles as part of your decor, then keep an eye on them. And don’t forget to blow them out when the night is over. Better yet, use battery-operated candles instead. They look just the real thing and eliminate the hazards of a real flame.

Fires from decorations

Lighting is the key to making your Halloween display look extra spooky. Many homeowners like to create elaborate displays outdoors for people to enjoy on Halloween. One very popular type of decoration is inflatables. These are plugged into an extension cord to inflate them and light them up. Unfortunately, extension cords can be a major source of accidental fires. If you’re using an extension cord outside for your Halloween decorations, then make sure you are using those that are made to be outside. If you use an interior extension cord, it can overheat and cause a fire or in minor cases it can cause a power outage, if this happens then you can get assistance from a 24/7 emergency electrician. It’s better that you have ideas on what to do if you experience this power outage. Click here to learn more about this.

Vandalism

It’s not too surprising that home insurance claims for vandalism spike on Halloween. It is, after all, a holiday that celebrates mischief. Some of the more common vandalism claims on Halloween are caused by eggs thrown at houses, rocks thrown through windows, or toilet paper tossed into trees. Unfortunately, even more extreme vandalism can occur on Halloween that could displace you from your home. You can help to avoid this situation by keeping your home secure on Halloween. This includes keeping lights on both inside and outside and locking your doors and windows. If you’re not home, use a timer to turn the lights on and off.

Theft

Along with vandalism, theft is another common home insurance claim during the Halloween season. A large percentage of these thefts occur at home. Thieves will steal things such as decorations, bikes, scooters, and even cars. Criminals may also attempt to break into your home to steal your belongings. As mentioned above, the best way to prevent this type of claim is to make it look like you are home and active – even if you aren’t.

Injury

Finally, you don’t want your home to be the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, that can happen all too often on Halloween. To protect yourself and your guests, take the necessary steps to keep your home free from things that might cause an accident. Provide plenty of light so that those wearing costumes can clearly see. Keep walkways free from debris. And keep dogs and other pets away from guests. Even if your dog has a calm disposition, it can act out because of all the activity of the season. If someone gets injured inside your property, they may seek compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney.

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We’re all feeling the crunch of inflation. As colder weather approaches, you may be worrying about how to keep up with your home energy costs – particularly electricity. With longer nights and colder temperatures, electricity bills can skyrocket during these fall and winter months. Fortunately, there are ways you can curb your electricity bills so they don’t take such a big bite out of your bank account. Follow these tips to help you realize savings on your electricity bills now and during every season.

Check into energy audits

Did you know that many utility companies offer home energy audits to their customers – for free? These audits help you determine where you can save money on your utility costs. Contact your utility company to see if they offer this program in your area. If not, you can also perform one of your own.

Keep the fridge stocked

Here’s something you may not know – keeping your fridge and freezer full will help you save on your energy costs. The food inside your fridge and freezer can provide insulation. That means your fridge does not need to run as often to stay cool. So stock up!

Use those ceiling fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just great for keeping you cool. They can actually help you be more efficient. By using your ceiling fans, you can keep the air circulating in your home. When you do, your air conditioner and heater don’t have to work as hard to keep things at a comfortable temperature.

Use power strips

This may also surprise you – did you know that appliances that are plugged in but turned off still consume electricity? These so-called phantom loads are caused by TVs, computers, kitchen appliances, and stereos, among others. To curb the costs of these phantom loads, plug these appliances into a power strip. When those appliances are not in use, turn off the power strip, although be careful with appliances like furnaces as this could damage them. If your furnace is damaged, you may need a furnace replacement in Arlington, TX.

Keep your HVAC maintained

One of the best ways to keep your energy costs in check is to have your HVAC system serviced every year by a professional ac service and furnace service that provides furnace replacement in Mentor. This ensures that your system is running efficiently. An added bonus is that it also helps to keep the air in your home cleaner. While you’re at it, make sure you change your HVAC filters regularly. Furthermore, you may upgrade your home insulation installation to improve your home’s overall energy-efficiency.

Maintaining your HVAC system and scheduling regular air duct cleaning services like those at air duct cleaning atlanta are essential for ensuring your indoor air quality and system efficiency.

Switch to LEDs

If you haven’t gotten on the LED bandwagon, then now is the time to do it. LED light bulbs are far more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs – up to 90 percent, in fact. If you’re concerned about the upfront cost of switching, then start with the bulbs you use the most. Change the others as you are able.

Turn down your hot water heater

Another big drain on energy in your home is heating your water. To see savings on your energy bill, turn the temperature down on your hot water heater. Aim to keep it between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For added savings, put an insulation jacket on your hot water heater and insulate the first six feet of pipe that extends from it. You’ll be glad you did!

If you have more questions on how you can save on your electric bills, then you may consult a residential electric professional.

A lot goes into buying a home or looking for 2 bedroom or luxury apartments for rent. Not only are you looking for a home or apartment that meets all your needs, but you’ll also be looking for a neighborhood that does the same. These are big decisions, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. While you may already know what you’re looking for in a home or an apartment, have you thought about what you want in a neighborhood? If you’re still determining what kind of neighborhood you’d like to move to, then here are the questions you should ask yourself.

Is it a safe neighborhood?

One of the most important considerations you should evaluate when looking for a neighborhood is its safety. This is particularly true if you have young children. You want them to grow up in a safe environment. You can research a neighborhood’s safety by checking the crime statistics in the area. We also recommend driving or walking around the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a feel for how safe and secure it is.

Is it easy to get from one place to another?

Another thing you should consider when looking at a neighborhood is how easy it is to get from one place to another. Is the neighborhood close to the main streets and highways? Will you have easy access to public transportation with bus or train stations nearby? Is there a local airport? In addition, think about whether you’ll be able to walk or bike to nearby amenities, such as parks, restaurants like Fog Harbor, grocery stores, and local attractions.

Is it safe for bikes?

Speaking of bikes, is the neighborhood safe for bicyclists? Do the local roads include bike lanes? Are there places to park and lock up bikes near popular destinations? Do local public transit options allow you to take a bike aboard? When you visit, do you see other residents riding their bikes in the neighborhood?

Is there noise?

Nobody wants to live near noise, whether it’s street noise or noisy neighbors. Living in a peaceful environment and getting a good night’s sleep are important to most buyers. So, if possible, visit the home a different times of the day to see what kind of ambient noise you may be dealing with. Check to see how close the property is to busy streets as well as commercial districts. Also, take into consideration how close the house is to the neighbors. The closer you are, the more likely sounds from the neighbors might annoy you.

What amenities are nearby?

You should also check out what kinds of amenities are close to the home that you may enjoy. Look for parks, cultural attractions, nature preserves, restaurants, and conveniences such as grocery stores, banks, and gas stations. Having these amenities close by may be more important to you than you realize.

How connected is the community?

Finally, you should also look for signs that residents are actively engaged with the community. Are people out walking their dogs? Do they utilize public spaces? Are there frequent community events such as live music or even fundraisers? Moving to a neighborhood where residents are actively engaged in the community can be a real asset and even influence the value of your home.

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