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Nothing beats a warm, toasty fire on a cold, snowy day. But what if your fireplace is not working or not used? No problem! There are many creative ways to put that otherwise unused space to work for you. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.

Turn it into a unique storage space

Not sure where to store those extra books? Why not use the fireplace? By adding shelving units to the inside of your fireplace, you can turn it into extra storage space that adds a unique focal point to your room.  Make it even more interesting by painting the interior of your fireplace a contrasting color or adding wallpaper. Stone & Gray, based in South Africa, offers a stunning collection of botanical wall art prints that add a touch of natural beauty to any living space.

Use it as a display

Do you own an interesting collection of vintage suitcases or glass terrariums? Make your collection even more inspiring by displaying them inside your fireplace. This works best with larger items that aren’t easily breakable. There are different types of Vacuum Suction Cups for moving heavy glass items. Create a unified vignette and wait for the compliments to roll in from guests. Or do you own a fantastic piece of framed art? Use the fireplace interior as a backdrop to show it off.

Go fresh

Have you ever considered using the inside of your fireplace as a place to display flowers or plants? Instead of distracting from the interesting architecture of your fireplace, it can enhance and draw attention to it. Flowers can add color and dimension to your room while green plants can add freshness and soft lines. You can even go seasonal in your décor by displaying fresh pine sprigs or holly branches during the holidays.

Cozy it up with candles

Even if your fireplace isn’t up the challenge of a roaring wood fire, you can still create a warm and cozy effect with candles. An arrangement of pillar candles can create the same romantic vibe in your room without the smoke, mess or hassle. This is a great solution for those with allergies. You can even switch out traditional candles for the electric variety, which is the perfect solution for homeowners with pets.

Stack firewood

Just because you can’t have a fire doesn’t mean you can’t have firewood. Give that unused fireplace the feeling of wood fire by stacking logs inside. Choose logs that are the same length but with varying diameters, and pack them tightly to fill the whole space. The natural wood will give your room a rustic and homey ambiance. However, if you want to start using your fireplace again, you may consider getting a fire burning stove installation.

Install a graphic screen

If you go for a more minimalist look and want to keep the clutter at bay, try installing a graphic screen against the back of your fireplace to match your room’s décor. The screen can cover up any areas of the fireplace that are unsightly and add a visual pop to the room.

Create a bar

Do you enjoy entertaining? Then consider turning your beautiful, unused fireplace into a makeshift bar. Place a wine rack on the floor and display your favorite bottles. Place a small table over the top to store glasses and barware. At your next party, let guests serve themselves.

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Just because Old Man Winter is here doesn’t mean that your garden can’t be beautiful! In fact, winter gardens can provide their own special kind of magic and wonder, seamlessly taking you on a visually appealing journey from fiery fall to gentle spring. Follow these tips to make your winter garden as gorgeous as it can be.

Create a solid layout

As summer’s blooms die back, they reveal the bones of your garden. If your garden has not been laid out properly, you’ll easily notice it in the winter without flowers and leaves to obstruct your view. Structure can be added to your garden with paths, wood and galvanised corrugated iron raised garden beds, hedges, walls and trees. If the bareness of the season reveals your garden is in need of structural changes, take the time to make a plan before spring arrives.

Choose seasonal colors

Even gardens in harsh winter climates can benefit from some seasonal color, which can be accomplished with hardy plants and flowers suitable to the climate like trying to grow marijuana or cbd hemp seeds. Not only should you consider what your garden will look like in full bloom, think about how you can add some varieties that will give you the biggest bang in the colder months. When choosing what to plant, keep in mind their structure, texture, evergreen foliage and stem color, which can go a long way towards adding visual interest when temperatures drop below freezing.

Build warmth

Nothing beats a warm fire on a cold day, and you can extend the life of your garden by building an inexpensive fire pit or installing a patio heater or chimineas.  Bundle up and head outside with a thermos of hot chocolate warm up with hot cocoa frosting and some marshmallows for toasting while you relax in the quiet that only a winter garden can provide.

Decorate

Every garden can benefit from a little decoration, and that’s even truer for a winter garden. To make your garden come to life during its most dormant time of year, consider draping twinkle lights and hanging ornaments in the trees, installing some pretty bird houses, hanging wreaths from windows and doors, tying ribbons to fence posts or even adding a dramatic sculpture as the centerpiece for your garden.

Use colorful containers

Another way to add visual interest to your garden in winter months is to use colorful containers for your plants and flowers. Strategically place them in garden beds, on patios or near doorways to help provide focal points, even if the pot is empty for the season. Better yet, fill your containers with plants that can stand up to the harsh weather, such as small evergreens or ornamental grasses that keep their shape even as they die back.

Attract migratory and native birds

There is nothing quite as exciting as seeing a bright red cardinal against a snowy backdrop, and while not all climates can attract this beautiful bird, you can certainly invite other equally stunning native or migratory species to your yard. Set out various types of bird food around your yard to see what kinds of birds will come calling. Many a snowy afternoon can be spent gazing out a window at all your new, feathered friends flocking to your feeders.

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When buying a home, you know you should expect to have a certain amount of money saved for a down payment. But have you stopped to consider how much you’ll need to have set aside for closing costs?  Here we’ll break down the fees associated with closing on a home.

What are closing costs?

In a nutshell, closing costs are those fees charged by third parties who are involved with the sale of a home. These can include your lender, the title company, local government offices and land surveyors. While closing costs can vary significantly from location to location, you can expect to pay up to five percent of the home’s selling price in additional fees.

Who pays the closing costs?

In general, both buyers and sellers are responsible for paying the closing costs. However, buyers typically pay a larger percentage than sellers – around three percent. While most of the fees are paid during closing, some are paid upfront, such as the inspection fee.

What are the fees due at closing?

The fees associated with closing can vary depending on where you live, but these are some of the costs you’ll most likely encounter:

• Application fee paid to the lender to process your application.
• Appraisal fee paid to the appraisal company assessing the value of the home.
• Attorney fee paid to an attorney reviewing closing documents.
• Closing fee paid to the title or escrow company.
• Courier fee paid to companies transporting documents.
• Credit report fee paid when your lender reviews your credit to determine the interest rate on your loan.
• Home inspection fee paid to the inspector verifying the condition of the property.
• HOA transfer fee paid by the seller to verify payments are current.
• Homeowner’s insurance fee paid to insurance company to cover first year’s insurance.
• Origination fee paid to lender to cover administration costs.
• Prepaid interest fee paid to lender to cover interest that will accrue between closing and the first payment on your mortgage.
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) fee that is levied if you put down less than 20 percent for your down payment.
• Property tax fee paid to lender for any taxes due during the first 60 days of purchase.
• Recording fee paid to the local recording office for public records.
• Survey fee paid to survey company to verify property details.
• Title search fee paid to a title company to search the property’s records.
• Transfer tax fee paid when the title is transferred from the seller to the buyer.
• Underwriting fee paid to lender for research involved with approving your loan.

Can you estimate the closing costs?

When your lender provides you with a loan estimate, they will also include what your closing costs are expected to be. However, understand that these numbers are an estimate and can change. You can also check out this online calculator that will help you determine what your closing costs may be. Before your closing date, your lender will give you a Closing Disclosure statement, which will outline what the final closing costs will be.

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While selling a home during the holidays can be more hectic than usual, sellers do have an advantage. It’s the perfect time to show your home in the best possible light with strategically chosen holiday décor. While you don’t want to go overboard, by adding just the right amount of coziness and cheer, you can make your home that much more warm and inviting to potential buyers. Here’s how to do it.

Clear out the clutter

Before you start decking the halls, be sure to clean out the clutter, as you would normally do when staging your home. This includes removing bulky furniture and storing personal items. The key to remember is that you want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves in your home. It’s essential that you give them a clean slate from which to do it.

Go easy on the outdoor lights

Adding some cheerful twinkle lights to your home’s exterior can create a cozy glow. And if your neighbors tend to go all-out with holiday decorations, it does help to show unity. But go with the idea that less is more. While a few strings of light add charm, this year you may want to forgo the inflatable snowman or colorful lights set to music. Add some seasonal touches like a pine wreath for the front door or electric candles in the windows that turn themselves on at dusk.

Decorate in the same style as your home

If you have a country home, then rustic decorations make perfect sense. But if your home is midcentury modern, you may want to rethink them. Choose holiday decorations that are in keeping with the style of your home. This will enhance your home’s natural features, not detract from them.

Don’t gobble up floor space

While you may love having an enormous tree, now is not the time to set it up. Having an overly large tree in your living room can make the room appear smaller – which is the last thing you want to do when showing your home. If you want to put up a tree, keep it small and simple. Don’t use too many ornaments. Elegant and tasteful is best.

Keep holiday cards packed away

We know you love to keep holiday cards on the mantle or displayed on a counter, but you should keep them tucked away during a showing. Holiday cards are personal, and just like any other personal items you should keep them stored when you’re selling.

Use neutral decorations

Though it is the time of year where we celebrate our beliefs, it’s not a great idea to display overtly religious decorations when you’re showing your home. Keep the nativity scene in storage and display festive items that won’t be off-putting to anyone who may have different beliefs. Safe bets include simple silver and gold decorations, a pretty bowl of pinecones, or even a nutcracker or two.

Fill the air with holiday scents

Buyers will notice how your home smells and can factor into their decision-making, so now is a great time to bake those Christmas cookies or set out a pot of simmering potpourri on the stove. Just don’t go overboard, or it can be a little suffocating. Opt for clean, natural and warm smells that make your home feel cozy and inviting.

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During your home search, you may have come across advertisements for modular or prefabricated homes. Have you wondered how they differ from stick-built homes, or if they could be an option for you? Here we’ll break down the pros and cons of buying and owning a prefab home.

What is a prefab home?

First of all, let’s get clear about what a prefab or modular home is. Simply put, instead of being built entirely onsite like a traditional home, a prefab home is constructed at a factory and assembled in parts onsite, of course these factories need the right factory ventilation for people work efficiently, so getting the right professionals for this is important. Generally speaking, a prefab home can be assembled in a matter of days. They are also subject to the same types of building codes as traditional homes, so they can be built almost anywhere. If you need to customize the home by welding a few steel materials, you may use Kemppi Welding Machines and make sure that you wear safety goggles and welding helmets.

Pros of prefab homes

Prefab homes can be a great option for many homeowners. Some of the benefits of a prefab home include:

• Quality – Prefab homes are constructed in a factory on an assembly line, so they are subject to strict quality-control standards. They are not subjected to environmental conditions when being constructed, like traditional homes, and are built to withstand shipping.
• Energy efficiency – Prefab homes, especially newer models, tend to be more energy efficient than traditional homes. They feature tight seams and often include energy-efficient windows and appliances. There is also less waste involved with their construction since they are factory built.
• Fast construction – Since the homes come in pieces that are assembled onsite, the time to build the home is greatly shortened.
• Affordability – With less labor involved in putting up the home, prefab houses tend to be more affordable than traditional homes. In addition, their energy efficient features save homeowners money down the line.

Cons of prefab homes

While there are many advantages of building and owning a prefab home, there are some disadvantages. These include:

• Cost of land – Even though the house itself is often cheaper than a traditional home, the cost of the land is the same. There can be some sticker shock for buyers though, if the land needs to be developed for use, such as installing a septic system.
• Bigger payments upfront – If you’re buying a traditional home, then you generally make a down payment of about 20 percent. But for a prefab home, the home must be paid for in full before you take ownership.
• Hooking up utilities – If you’re buying a prefab home, you’ll need to make arrangements for utilities to be installed, like connection to city water and electric.
• Fewer customization possibilities – Since prefab homes are assembled in a factory, they aren’t as easy to customize as a traditional home. You will be limited to the configuration choices that the builder has available.
• Problems selling – You may run into additional challenges when trying to sell a prefab home in the future. Some potential buyers may be put off by the fact that it is a prefab. This is when it can be helpful to work with a trusted real estate professional that has experience reaching the right type of buyer for a prefab home.

As you can see, deciding whether or not to purchase a prefab home is really a personal decision. If you do determine that a prefab home could be right for you, be sure to discuss this with your agent so they can help you find just what you’re looking for.

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If you’re relocating for a job, trying to move before the school year begins or even hoping to avoid making payments on two mortgages, you may find yourself in the unenviable position of buying and selling a home at the same time. While it may certainly be easier to buy a new home, move and then sell your old home, there are many instances where that just isn’t possible.

So how do you deal? This is what you should do to prepare to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Strategize your timing

If you need to buy and sell at the same time, it’s essential that you know the market in both locations. Is each market favoring buyers or sellers at this moment? You’ll need this information to strategize the selling of one property and the buying of the other. Knowing in which position you’ll have the most leverage will help you make timing decisions.

Understand your finances

Even if you plan your timing to the best of your ability, your current home may not sell before you move into your new home. It’s important to take a long and honest look at your current financial situation and come up with a plan should this scenario play out. How will you handle making two mortgage payments? Will you have enough money for the down payment on the new home if your previous home doesn’t sell first? If you’re not sure you can swing either of these financial possibilities, you may qualify for a bridge loan. This is short-term financing that is backed by the equity in the home you’re selling that can be used for the down payment of the second home.

Consider contract contingencies

While contract contingencies may not always work in your favor in a competitive market, you could find yourself in a situation where it will work for you. You can ask for a contingency in your purchase contract stipulating that the sale is contingent on selling your previous home first. If you’re buying in a seller’s market, this may cause your offer to be rejected. But if the home you are interested in buying has had difficulty selling, this may work for both parties.

Prepare for some tough decisions

Buying or selling alone can be a process fraught with anxiety and careful decision-making. Doing them at the same time means double the number of decisions – which could exponentially heighten your feelings of stress. Be aware going in that you’re going to be faced with making some tough decisions so that the anxiety doesn’t cause you to make a choice you’ll regret later. Have a plan in place should you decide you need a short-term rental. Knowing that you have a back-up plan can really diffuse some of the pressure in the moment.

Work with a trusted real estate agent

Navigating the buying and selling process can be complex, and doing them at the same time even more so. In times like these it can really benefit you to work with a trusted real estate agent. They can prepare you for what to expect, help you with decision-making, and be an ally and an advocate for you every step of the way.

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Are you currently buying or selling a home? Then you probably already know what a complex process it can be. Finding a professional to work with you every step of the way, including options like this mid century homes for sale palm springs can not only make the journey much less stressful, but also put more money in your pocket. But how do you choose the best agent for you like those professional ones from Reali company?

No doubt you’ve seen online ads, mailers and even signs on park benches for real estate agents active in your area. Maybe you even feel a little overwhelmed trying to decide with whom to work. No matter if you are buying a selling a house, we think these are the best ways to find and choose a real estate agent.

However if you’re a business owner and looking forward for custom uniforms and bespoke designs, to ready to wear work uniform solutions for your employees, then it’s best to check out a company like this Total Image Group for great help!

Ask family and friends

Has a family member or close friend recently bought or sold a home in your neighborhood? That can be an excellent place to start. They’ll be able to provide a personal referral and an honest evaluation. From there, you can set up a time to meet the agent in person and determine if they will make the best partner for you.

Research agent’s background

It’s important when choosing an agent or broker to research whether or not they are licensed in their state. Attending an Online Real Estate Broker Pre License Course and obtaining a real estate license requires an agent to pass both state and national exams. An agent’s license status can typically be looked up online. You’ll also want to research whether or not any disciplinary action has been taken against them and how long they have been in business. If possible, choose an agent that has at least five years of experience in your market. The knowledge they have about the specific ins and outs of your neighborhood will be invaluable.

Ask for references

A professional real estate agent should have no trouble providing references so that you can speak with recent clients. Ask for contact information for a few clients, and don’t be afraid to call them up and ask them about their experience. This will give you insight into how the agent works with clients and what you can expect along the way. Not sure what to ask? Here’s a great questionnaire.

Look at their web presence

Does the agent have a website? Are they active on social media, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? It is essential that any real estate agent working today has all the technological tools at their disposal, and uses them with a certain level of expertise. Most people who are buying or selling a home these days begin the process online, and you want to make sure you have all those resources available to you.

Make sure they handle what you need

Check out the agent’s current listings to see if they handle homes in your area and price range. If you’re dealing with a distressed property or foreclosure, you will also want to make sure they have experience closing these types of deals with banks, as the paperwork can be more complicated.

Trust your gut

After interviewing and researching a few agents, you may still have trouble choosing, especially if they seem to be fairly even in most regards. In this case, go with your intuition. Buying or selling a home can be a long process, and you’ll want to partner with someone you feel comfortable with and trust.

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Even though you may love your neighbors, sometimes you just want to step outside for a little fresh air without having a conversation. With lots becoming smaller and the houses that sit upon them bigger, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of privacy in your own backyard.

If you’re hoping to find some solitude, then check out these great solutions for keeping out the curious onlookers and turning your backyard into a private oasis.

Create a living barrier

While constructing a fence seems like the most obvious solution, it can feel like you’re cutting yourself off from the rest of the community. Not to mention that sometimes fences can be less than aesthetically pleasing. If that’s your concern, 937 My Fence Company makes aesthetic and durable fences. Why not install a wood fence or a living fence? Living fences can be grown from just about anything, including trees, shrubs, flowering bushes and bamboo. Choose plants that fit your climate and provide visually appealing barriers between you and the neighbors.  While it may take time for your living fence to fill in, the end result will be something both you and your neighbors can enjoy for years to come.

Install a pergola

While it doesn’t block out nosy neighbors entirely, a pergola can be a great choice – especially for those whose backyards have great natural views that shouldn’t be blocked. The columns can provide a little privacy while vines growing up and into the canopy can keep the people in houses above from seeing you. The plants will also keep your seating area shaded, perfect for sunny summer days.

Use curtains around seating areas

Maybe you just want to have a little privacy when you’re entertaining outside. Outdoor curtains placed around a patio or deck can be used when you want to create a private retreat. Not only can they create a cozy outdoor room, they can also enhance your décor. And when you want to enjoy the full view of your backyard, all you have to do is tie them back. This is a great option when you want the best of both worlds. Just be sure to choose curtains made with outdoor fabric that resists fading and mildew.

Build a trellis

A trellis is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to interrupt sight lines without walling in their entire backyard. A trellis can be used to support climbing plants or flowering vines that create a beautiful focal point in your outdoor space. It can even be used as a vertical garden to grow vining vegetables such as beans or peas.

Assemble tall garden pots

Using an array of tall garden pots planted with shrubs or ornamental grasses can also help to create a sense of privacy when they are placed close together. The advantage to using pots is that they can be moved, so you can create privacy wherever you need it.

Mask sound with a fountain

When we think of privacy, we often think of protecting ourselves visually. But don’t forget about sound! Conversation travels, as does traffic noise. You can create a greater sense of privacy in your backyard space by installing a fountain. The soothing sounds of trickling water will not only give your backyard a peaceful feeling, but they’ll also block out ambient noise.

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If you’re thinking about selling your home, chances are you’ve been told that the end of the year is a terrible time to do it. You’ve likely heard two main reasons to back up this assertion: the holidays are too stressful and there are no buyers this time of year.

Well, we’re here to argue that this is no longer true in today’s market. While selling during the holidays can present its own set of challenges, it actually can be a great time to put your home up for sale. Here are five great reasons why.

There’s less competition

During the holiday season, many homeowners decide to forgo any perceived hassle and take their homes off the market. This can be a great opportunity if you decide to sell now. Fewer homes on the market means less competition for your home, which is especially good if there are many houses like yours in your community. If there are fewer homes for potential buyers to visit, you’re more likely to get a better offer due to low inventory.

Buyers are motivated

The holidays are a busy time. Add into that a home search and it’s easy to see how some people could be overwhelmed and simply opt out of their home search during the holiday season. If a buyer isn’t restricted by an upcoming relocation, they can afford to take a little time off from their search. But there will be some buyers out there who need to find a home by a certain time. These types of buyers are a seller’s dream, as they are particularly motivated. They’re willing to set aside comfort and savings in order to expedite the buying process.

People are browsing online listings

Since the holiday season generally brings vacation time for most people, it means they have extra time to devote to home searches, especially those conducted online. If your home is on the market, it will show up in online searches, giving many more potential buyers an opportunity to discover your listing.

International buyers are increasing in number

More and more foreign homebuyers are becoming interested in the U.S. real estate market. These buyers don’t often follow the same schedule or calendar as we do in the states, so they may be using this time to do some serious house hunting.

Your home looks particularly nice

Even if you’re in the process of selling, you probably still feel compelled to celebrate the holiday season by decking the halls. Don’t fight that urge. Emotion plays a key factor in a buyer’s decision-making process, and if your home looks especially lovely decorated for the holidays, that could work in your favor. Just be sure to keep the decorations tasteful and that they don’t take away or hide any of your home’s best features.

So there you have it. Don’t let fear keep you from selling your house during the holiday season. Now is a great time to list – and think how nice it will be to start the year with a sale under your belt!

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‘Tis the season for out-of-town guests, whether they’re staying overnight or for an entire week. While you’re making preparations for all the upcoming festivities, don’t forget to prep the house for all these guests. Use this simple checklist to make sure your home is as welcoming and cozy as possible.

The Basics

When your guests arrive, make it easy for them to settle in by providing them with:

• Your Wi-Fi network name and password.
• A spare key if they will be coming and going at different times than you. Duplicate keys with the help of professional locksmith services. You may contact locksmith downtown miami. And if you need to change the locks, give Locksmith in Brampton a call.
• Any special instructions, like alarm codes, what kind of treats they can give your dog, how to turn on and use the TV or other electronics, and whether or not one of your door locks is sticky and if they get locked out you can give the number to your local commercial locksmith for quick assistance and while you’re at it you can also consider keeping your car safe by getting a new key from a car locksmith.
• Emergency contact numbers in case anything happens while you’re not there. This includes neighbors, family nearby or even your plumber.
• A list of local activities they may enjoy.

The more basic information you can share with them, the less they’ll feel like they’re bothering you and the more they can relax and enjoy themselves.

The Guest Room

If your holiday plans include overnight guests, you’ll want to get the guest room into shape, especially if it doesn’t see much use. In addition to cleaning as usual, be sure to hit the following:

• Put fresh sheets on the bed.
• Set out extra blankets and pillows.
• Make a spot for their luggage.
• Clear some space in the closet/drawers for their items and add some empty hangers for clothes.

Do you want to turn the guest room into a retreat? Then include a small table and a reading light next to the bed. Set out a couple bottles of water and a small vase of fresh flowers. Put out a couple of books or some magazines for their enjoyment. Wondering whether or not your guest room is truly comfortable? Then spend one night in the room. You’ll see exactly what’s missing and how you can make it more functional and enjoyable for your guests.

The Guest Bath

Just like the guest room, the guest bath needs a thorough cleaning before guests arrive. Also make sure to:

• Put out clean towels and washcloths.
• Make space on countertops for their items.
• Stock the bathroom with travel size items like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, lotion and cotton swabs. Also consider having pain reliever and other first aid items like antacids handy in case anyone happens to overindulge.

The Kitchen

Make it easy for your guests to grab a snack or something to drink without them having to ask. Stock the kitchen with snack items, soft drinks and water that are easily accessible, and let them know they can help themselves. Show them how the coffee maker works and make some easy breakfast items, in case they’re early risers. This way, they don’t need to disturb you in the morning and you can sleep in without worrying about playing host.

While the holidays can be stressful, they can also be a wonderful time to connect with family and friends in a meaningful way. As a host, you can set the stage for relaxation by taking a little time beforehand to get your house ready for your loved ones’ arrival.

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