Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

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  • Holiday Outdoor Décor Ideas for a Beautiful and Cozy Winter

    Spruce up your outdoor space to bring the merriment of the holidays to your home.

    There are plenty of décor ideas you can adapt to turn the exterior of your house into a festive destination. Even if you live where it snows and don’t spend much time on a porch or patio, decking the outside of your halls is fun and satisfying.

    Create a warm welcome for friends’ arrival and a beautiful scene to admire from the cozy indoors with these ideas for holiday outdoor décor.

    Hang a simple wreath

    Hanging just one wreath on your front door creates a beautifully minimalistic look. Depending on your wreath’s adornments, you can pull off a chic aesthetic or something gorgeously traditional.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Go all out with double wreaths

    Have double doors? Hang two wreaths for twice the joy. Magnolia wreaths look stunning in a pair.

     

     

  • Pet Hotel Etiquette When Your Move Involves an Overnight Stay

    If your move involves a long road trip, you’ll likely need to find pet friendly lodging along your travel route.  You may also find that you need temporary accommodations in your new home town.  It’s important to be sure to follow some simple tips for making sure the hotel stay is enjoyable, and that your pet does not “wear out his welcome”.

    Find the Best Pet Friendly Room

    If possible, it is best to book a room on the hotel’s ground floor, and one that is near an exit.  This makes it convenient and easy to get outside quickly for bathroom breaks.

    Make Sure Your Pet “Goes” in the Right Spot

    When you arrive, ask the manager or front desk where the established area is located for your dog to use the bathroom.  You should be vigilant in following their rules about where your dog can go to “do his business”, and of course, be prepared to clean up after your pet with your own supply of poop bags.

    Exercise is Key

    In addition to the move itself,  the long car ride and hotel stay can cause your pet to become a bit anxious.  Ensuring that your pet gets ample exercise will help to lessen his anxiety, and will result in a calmer (and well-behaved) pet.  You can ask the hotel staff about a nearby area where where they recommend you walk or run with your pet.

    Respect the Accommodations

    You should properly cover all furniture and beds where your pet may lay.  If the pet friendly hotel has rules about pets not being allowed on the furniture, be sure to follow them.

    Where to Put the Litter Box

    If it is your kitty who is traveling along with you, place his litter box in the bathroom.  This allows for easier clean up and less mess.

    When You Have to Leave the Room

    Pet friendly accommodations have different rules about whether your pet can be alone in the room.  It’s advised to only to leave your pet unattended when there are no other options.  Even if your pet is well-behaved, he can still bark, become restless and then cause damage when he is somewhere unfamiliar.  If you have to leave your pet alone, don’t be gone long.  Tell the front desk or manager that your pet is alone in your room, and then turn on the radio or TV to make your pet more at ease.  If your pet uses a crate or kennel, put him in there when you leave.  Also, stick a note on your door to let others know that your pet is in your room.

    Leave a Good Impression, Not Critters

    When preparing for your trip, be sure to give your pet a bath, which includes a flea and tick treatment.  Also, use a preventative flea and tick method to keep him critter-free on the trip.  If you leave behind a bad smell, or even worse, the pests, then you are at risk for losing your pet deposit.

     Accidents Will Happen

    If your pet does not have “accidents” at home while inside, he may when he is in unfamiliar territory and stressed.  Pack a disinfecting spray and a towel for the trip, just in case you have to clean up after your pet.  Once again, you could lose your pet deposit if you leave a mess behind.

    Always Keep Him On-Leash

    In order to keep your pet safe, you should avoid situations where he may not be under your control.  When you keep him leashed, you will ensure his safety, and the safety of other guests, in case he decides to try and run or become disruptive.  Also, steer clear of the dining areas or other off-limits areas in the hotel, and don’t allow him to roam freely.  Keep in mind that breaking these rules may cut your trip short, if the hotel staff asks you and your furry friend to leave.

    When you move, following these simple tips will help to ensure that your overnight stays at pet friendly hotels will be smooth and stress-free.

     

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

  • How to Know When a Home is Worth Buying

    To buy a home, or to not buy a home. It’s a common debate for many people. There’s no denying that renting is basically paying for someone else’s monthly mortgage without receiving any equity from the property, but that does not always mean that buying a home is the better option for each individual. Everyone’s situation is different, and home buying can be expensive. People’s lifestyles also change and their motives for wanting to buy a house are just as varied. Determining whether or not it’s worth buying a home has a lot to do with individual specifics. It’s highly recommended to speak with a real estate agent who can give you detailed real estate advice based on the information you provide. However, the general costs and rewards of home buying can be found right now to help steer you in the right direction.

    Maintenance Costs

    When you buy a home, you are taking on the responsibility of maintenance costs. They’re inevitable for all homeowners, but they can be significant depending on the specific property. Before buying a home, maintenance costs and unexpected repairs must be considered. It’s recommended to hold back 1% of the home’s value annually for maintenance and appliance replacement, but that does not cover unexpected repairs.

    Property Taxes

    Property taxes can be a significant expense. The actual amount can fluctuate, and this must be considered before buying a home. There are a variety of factors to determine the amount of property taxes, such as the area, state, and local budget cuts, renovations, as well as many other things.

    House Insurance

    Many mortgage loan lenders require homeowners to have house insurance. Unlike rental insurance, which covers possessions, homeowners’ insurance covers both possessions and the cost of the property. Although it’s an extra expense, it’s beneficial to have even if it is not required. As for the cost of home insurance, it depends on the specifics, but you can get an estimate by dividing the home’s value by 1000, and then multiplying that by 3.5 (HomeGuides).

    Tax Deductibility

    A benefit that comes when you buy a home is the tax deductibility of mortgage interest. This number is hard to estimate from a general standpoint because it greatly depends on your specific financial situation. However, owning a home can provide you more savings than if you were to rent, simply because of the tax deductible.

    Home’s Value Appreciating

    The appreciation of a home’s value is generally high. However, this can change rather quickly depending on the housing market, as well as many other factors. ABC News estimates home prices will appreciate around 3%, according to the historical average. The thing that many people forget is that as a home’s value increases, the cost of maintenance and insurance does as well, due to inflation.

     

    In terms of liquid money, home ownership won’t bring you much of that. However, buying a home does have the potential to bring you a high return on investment. More importantly, your monthly bills go towards something you own. When renting, you’re essentially paying someone else’s mortgage without receiving any ownership. Many additional factors also need to be considered when determining if buying a home is worth it, such as whether you want to buy a home as an investment property, plan on flipping the house, or want to retire in it. The first step is to answer the inevitable question, “Can I afford a home?” and these general guidelines can help you determine that.

  • 5 Different Ways to Update Your Mantel

    There’s nothing better than curling up in front of a fireplace on a chilly winter night. It’s the perfect way to end a day, and an even better place to create memories with your loved ones.  However, you may be wondering how you can update your fireplace mantel as the season transitions from fall to winter, and it’s truly quite simple. Whatever your interior, whatever your style, here are some stunning fireplace ideas that will highlight the coziness of your interior.

    Stick with Simplicity

    There’s no need to overthink your fireplace mantel. The fireplace is already a statement in itself, so if you’ve been rattling your brain trying to think of awesome fireplace mantel ideas, don’t worry about it. There’s really no need for the mantel to be fully decorated with all kinds of home décor, different splashes of paint and a vast array of art. Simplicity is sometimes better, especially when decorating an area that is already vibrant and captivating. Just let the fireplace shine its magic throughout your interior.

    The All White Winter Look

    You likely associate your fireplace with the winter. Winter is often associated with beautiful flakes of fluffy white snow, depending on your location. The beauty of the season can be the perfect idea for your mantel, and it doesn’t have to relate to the holidays either. An all white winter look, decorating with fake snow, a white wreath and white décor items can tie the entire season together right within your interior.   It’s a chic, simple look that is inspired more by the season than the holiday.

    The Classic Holiday Mantel

    ‘Tis the season for a classic holiday mantel. Hang your stockings with care, hang a holiday wreath, lay out some fake snow with your Christmas town figurine set, garland and a string of lights. Your fireplace mantel is the perfect place to channel the holiday spirit, and you’ll certainly be giving Santa Claus a warm welcome.

    Add in Warmth with Rustic Wood Elements

    The first thing people think about when they see a roaring fireplace is warmth. However, people don’t just think of warmth in terms of temperature. Fireplaces instantly add a touch of comfort and coziness into the interior, and some of the best mantel ideas follow en suite. Enhance the warmth of the room with other warming décor items, such as rustic wood elements. Old, reclaimed wood can be turned into décor, photo frames, mantel storage – you name it.

    Illuminate a Relaxing Oasis

    With the fireplace giving off so much light, people often overlook the idea of adding in even more. However, candles can be the perfect idea for your mantel, as they increase the relaxing, warmth, and cozy elements of the fireplace. Opt for candles of all different shapes and sizes, and let your mantel play into the elements of your fireplace.

     

    Kicking up your feet with a warm cup of cocoa has never been better. With these fireplace mantel ideas, you can tie the season into your interior with a few simple décor items. It’s safe to say that your mantel is going to be the centerpiece of your household this season.

     

  • Ask A Pro Q&A: The Importance of Roof Vents for Your Home

    Air vents improve airflow and circulation for a home. They are essential to removing warm air in the summer and must be placed on opposite sides to be most effective. What is the fix if both vents are on the same side? Outdoor design expert and Dream Team member Carson Arthur helps one reader with this situation.

    Q: I have roof vents installed on both sides of my open gable roof.  We bought our house a few years ago now, and I stumbled upon the banks inspection of our house. They made a note that the roof vents shouldn’t be installed across from each other because it normally doesn’t allow the attic to breathe properly. My question is, can I plug up one side of these vents with something to stop it from ventilating from one side of my roof? It gets very hot in my attic in the summers, to the point of it melting some weaker plastics. I guess I was wondering if plugging up one side of these vents would help fix that issue too.

    – Jared J

    A: I have a really easy answer for you ‘Never plug a vent, it will only cause you issues down the road’. The inspector was identifying that the optimal way to install roofing vents is across from each other to allow for more even airflow and circulation. Having two vents on the same side of your home isn’t perfect, but it is definitely better than having only one. I might consider hiring a reputable contractor to add one more on the other side of the roof to not only increase your airflow, but also to help with your hot attic.

    – Carson Arthur

  • Finding Pet Friendly Things to To Do in Your New Hometown

    After the big move, and when you finally feel settled in and are (mostly) unpacked, it’s time to explore places to go and things to do in your new hometown.  If you’re like most pet parents, you’ll want to include your furry family member in these new adventures.

    Here are suggestions for finding pet friendly places and things to do as you explore the new place you call home!

    Pet Friendly Restaurants & Breweries

    Many restaurants with outdoor seating areas allow dogs to dine with their people.  From coffee shops and snack shacks to pubs and fine dining establishments — there are pet friendly eateries for any budget and any palate!

    Additionally, there are an overwhelming number of craft beer breweries popping up, and the good news is that many of them welcome dogs indoors.  However, just like restaurants, those that prepare and serve food are not permitted to allow pets indoors.  So grab your furry sidekick and head to one of the pet friendly breweries in your new hometown to try some local beers on tap.

    Before you go be sure to confirm the establishment’s pet policy.  It’s also important to make sure your pet is prepared to be on his best behavior.  If your pet is not good around crowds, you’ll want to go at an off-peak time.  If he’s high energy, be sure to exercise him a bit beforehand.

    Dog Friendly Beaches
    Running, splashing and kicking up the sand are some of the best ways to get your pooch outside and exploring in your new hometown.  There are many beaches — whether lake or ocean — that welcome four-legged beach-goers.  Before you pack up your pooch and hit the road, be mindful of the beaches’ rules and regulations.  Some beaches require that your dog be on-leash at all times, while others allow pets off-leash under voice control.  Most beaches have restrictions on when your dog is allowed on the beach.  Dogs may only be allowed on beaches during certain months and/or certain times of the day.
    A visit to the beach can be a great retreat for you and your pet after moving.  Just be sure you’re both prepared to follow the beach’s pet guidelines.  This will help ensure your day at the beach is the respite you both deserve!

    Pet Friendly Attractions
    Each town has its own fun things to do, including those that allow pets to come along and join in that fun.  Some may seem obvious, like dog parks and hiking trails; however, depending on where you now reside, there may be unique attractions available that you would not have considered to be pet friendly.  Winery tours, whale watching excursions, perusing art museums, apple picking, paddle boarding, panning for gems, and exploring flea markets are just a sampling of some of the “not-so-obvious” pet friendly things to do with your pet!

    Moving to a new hometown brings about many changes for you and your pet, even when it comes to simply walking around your new neighborhood and meeting the human and furry neighbors.  Getting to know the local pet friendly things to do will help you and your pet see that change can be great, and together you can experience all that your new hometown has to offer.

     

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

  • How to Start a Successful Home Search

    A new home is a chance to bring fresh energy into your life. Searching for your next home can be an exciting journey, especially with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate app and website that combine the convenience of technology with professional insight into your desired neighborhood or community. Read on to find out how the home search process just got easier. 

    Budget and paperwork 

    The website and app will show you great homes within your budget, but first you need to determine your budget. A home is a major investment and budget is a concern that should be openly addressed. A financial advisor can help you see the numbers clearly and plan accordingly. Pick a realistic number and stick to it so your real estate agent can show you homes that fit within your budget. Do not miss out on the opportunity to own your dream home because you were declined for a mortgage loan. The best way to avoid this scenario is to get pre-approved once you have determined your budget.  

    Wants and needs 

    When starting your home search, prioritize your wants and needs. While pine herringbone floors or a designer patio can feel like an emotional need, the truth is life would be manageable without them. Kick off your search by choosing your desired property type, then move on to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You have a range of square footage and lot sizes at your fingertips. All you have to do is select the features that appeal the most to you. Decide what matters to you, and change your mind if needed. 

    Taps and clicks  

    Our latest technology can help with your successful home search. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has a mobile app to help you narrow your search and get easy access to local affiliated agents. This convenient experience allows you to find and save homes with the characteristics you want; search by the number of bedrooms, desired neighborhood and so much more, from anywhere in the world! To locate your dream home faster, a global positioning system allows you to draw a customized search area directly on the map, enabling you to explore homes as well as see traffic information as a means to preview your commute. To further narrow your options, you also have access to data on school districts and neighborhoods.  

    Personal touch 

    The app is a stellar way to personalize your home search. Not only do you have many homes at your fingertips, you have unlimited access to local affiliated agents. Armed with your preferences and budget, agents can jump into the home-buying process seamlessly when you are ready.  This saves you time and gives your new agent an opportunity to research listings before you even meet and deliver exactly what you want. You can even jump from device to device anywhere in the world.  

    Plan to use the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate app and website to make your house hunting journey a success.  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc1apqE4nhA

  • Top 5 Desserts to Have at Your Thanksgiving Dinner

    It’s almost time for Thanksgiving! With a crispness in the air and pumpkin spice everywhere, it is time to celebrate the season.

    We love Thanksgiving and it is by far one of the tastiest holidays of the year.  There is food, family and football, with Christmas around the corner!

    We’ve gathered five Thanksgiving dessert recipes for you and your family to enjoy this Thanksgiving!

    No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake by Life Made Simple

    When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of pumpkins. There isn’t a better way to enjoy them than a no-bake cheesecake! This fantastic recipe from Life Made Simple only takes 15 minutes to make. Whip up this cheesecake to enjoy with your family and friends this Thanksgiving.

  • Give Budget-Friendly Gifts Made with our Christmas Recipes for Desserts

    Christmas Day is just around the corner. It is time to start making a gift list for friends, family, neighbors and coworkers that won’t break the bank. Fortunately, edible gifts carefully packaged in hand decorated wrapping are a Christmas staple and can help you stay on budget. To survive the season with a cheerful spirit and money in the bank, we’ve put together a list of crowd-pleasing Christmas recipes for desserts that are absolutely delicious, easy to make and budget-friendly. From decadent truffles to chocolate bonbon pops, these Christmas recipes for desserts are sure to delight everyone on your list.

    No-bake desserts

    Oreo Cookie Truffles

    These delectable little morsels only have three ingredients and are deceptively easy to make. Factor in a little mid-prep refrigeration time to ensure the cream cheese and Oreo cookie center sets properly. As a treat, dip the truffles in chopped nuts, sprinkles, toffee pieces or crushed candy canes before the white chocolate layer cools. Package the truffles in a decorative tin tied with a fancy ribbon to showcase your gift.

    Snowman Cookie Balls

    Everyone will love these adorable snowman delights. This no-bake recipe takes a little bit of decorating and prep time, but the laughter you get when delivering these silly snowmen makes it all worthwhile. Line the snowmen up in a single layer in small cardboard boxes lined with waxed paper to prevent sticking and tie the box with a curly ribbon.

    Candied Candy Canes

    This easy recipe makes for a delightful, budget-friendly gift that almost everybody can enjoy. It only takes minutes to coat the top of each candy cane in chocolate, decorative sugar or sprinkles. To make this holiday present even more special, wrap several candy canes in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon or twine and pair them with a cute mug and some hot chocolate mix.

  • Should You Use a Pet Relocation Service When Moving?

    Moving your family to a new home involves much planning and preparation, especially when it comes to the four-legged family members.  Most importantly, you should take care of all the details in advance when moving with your pet, to ensure an easier transition for everyone.  The most important consideration is how you will be moving your entire family, including your pet.  It is always recommended to travel with your pet.  However, If you are moving across the country or overseas, this may not be an option.  In this case, you may want to look into a pet relocation service.

    How to Select a Pet Relocation Company

    Since your pet is part of your family, you can’t trust everyone out there to move him cross country when you move.  How do you know which companies you can trust?  One option is to check with the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), a group that provides a network of professionals who transport pets.  These people must register with the USDA and follow the rules and regulations set forth by the USDA’s Animal Welfare Act.

    When you start to narrow down the options and try to decide which company to work with, you should make a list of questions about the pet relocation processes.  The following are some important questions to ask each potential company:

    • What are your specific policies and procedures regarding pet transport?
    • Do you have a license, and are you insured?
    • How long have you been in the pet relocation business?
    • When will my pet arrive at our new home?
    • How often will you keep me updated during the trip?
    • Who will be my contact throughout the entire process?
    • What are your fees? Are there additional costs?
    • How do you make sure that my pet receives enough food and water?
    • What necessities should I pack for my pet?

    As you interview the prospective companies, they should be helpful and be able to answer any question that you have.  It is also very important to research reviews from previous customers who used their services, and to ask for referrals from pet parents who were satisfied with the service they received.  You want to do your due diligence to attain the utmost confidence in the company you choose – after all, they are responsible for your very precious family member.

    The Process Can Be Easy

    Pet relocation companies handle all of the travel arrangements for you, as they know the best airlines, reliable pickup and delivery services, and the rules and regulations for moving animals.  They also keep up with the regulations as they change to make sure they are following proper procedures.

    If you are relocating overseas, your destination country will have specific rules regarding how pets are imported and exported.  There is usually a hefty amount of paperwork when it comes to pets entering another country, and some countries even require a passport for your pet.  Additionally, there may also be periods of quarantine to consider.  The pet relocation service should be responsible for ensuring that all of the necessary paperwork is adequately completed, and their professionals will let you know about the country’s quarantine policies as well as other import details.

     When Should You Consider Other Options?

    If you are on a strict budget, you may find that pet relocation services are quite costly, and it is not so easy on your wallet to get your pet from here to there.  On top of paying for the documentation, ground transportation and airline fees, you are still required to pay the company for their time and efforts.  This is a big consideration when you are planning a move with your pet.

    Additionally, there are some pets that a relocation company will consider to be a risk to move.  If your pet is elderly, overly anxious, or has other health issues, he may not be a good candidate for a pet relocation service.  Also, pets who are brachycephalic (short muzzled) and may have respiratory issues could potentially become injured under the high stress that a move can bring.  You should ask your vet about these potential obstacles if they apply to your pet in order to make the best possible choice for his move.

    Moving brings about many challenges, and planning ahead is key.  Be a responsible pet parent and make sure that if you plan to use a pet relocation service to move your furry family member, you take the time to investigate thoroughly.  In the long run, you and your pet will be happy about the safe journey he took to get to your new home.

     

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com