Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

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  • Tips for Keeping Your Pet Happy and Safe on Moving Day

    Moving day can provoke a whole host of emotions – a little sadness, a little stress, and all of the excitement and anticipation that comes with embarking on a new adventure in life. Your pet will sense and feel all of your conflicting emotions, so it’s your job to keep her on the even keel – the best you can.

    During the hustle and bustle of moving day, it can be easy to overlook your pet’s extra needs for safety and emotional security. Considering these needs beforehand (when you are not buried in boxes and cleaning supplies), and creating a plan to address them, is the best way to make moving day as safe and stress-free as possible for your pet.

    Here are five tips for keeping your pet secure, calm, and reassured on the big day:

    Breathe

    Moving has the potential to be a bit stressful. Most pets (particularly dogs) are energy magnets. They sense if you are upset, anxious, or agitated. If you’re sending out these vibes, your pet will pick up on them and he too will become more anxious. But if you are calm, steady, and reassuring, you will take some of the burden of worry off of his shoulders.

    Keep Your Pet Happy, Safe & Secure

    From your pet’s perspective, moving day will be filled with strange noises, unfamiliar voices, and some commotion. It’s enough to make even the most easygoing of pets a little anxious. Plus, with movers coming in and out of your home, it’s easy for your pet to slip out if he’s not somewhere safe and secure.

    The best place for your pet on moving day is at friend or family member’s house. This way he’ll avoid all the moving day “excitement.” Another great alternative is letting your pet spend the day at a doggie daycare or a boarding facility.

    If those are not viable options, give your pet his own space in your house by keeping him safe and secure in an empty, quiet room, with a sign on the door that says “Do Not Enter.” If putting him in a room isn’t possible, secure him in a crate.

    Keep Your Pet Occupied

    If your pet stays home on moving day, there’s nothing like some mental stimulation to help keep your pet engaged. Set your pet up with a toy, TV, radio, or near a window — something that will keep him occupied and distracted during the move. This will help him “shut out” the noise and hullabaloo around him as he focuses on getting the peanut butter out of the kong or is mesmerized by the birds fluttering about on Nat Geo.

    Maintain Your Usual Routine

    Routines are very comforting for pets. Feed your pet at the same time as usual, and head out on walks at the same time as usual, taking the same routes you usually take. Again, it’s about letting her know that you will keep things stable and under control, which allows her to worry less.

    Stay Vigilant

    Keep an eye out for your pet at all times. There’s no guarantee that some well-intentioned person won’t open the crate to comfort or console her, or that a mover won’t ignore – or not see – your door sign. You will also want to check on her regularly, to ensure that she is safe and well, and to comfort her occasionally.

    The easier moving day is on your pet, the more smoothly he will transition into life at your new place. He’ll eventually settle in, life will return to normal, and you’ll have a stronger bond for having weathered the adventure together.

    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

     

  • 5 Tips on How You Can Survive a Seller’s Market

    Searching for the perfect home can be challenging, regardless of the market, and even more so when it’s a seller’s market. It can feel like you’re constantly hitting roadblocks and meeting dead ends, as the sellers are in full control.  However, all you need is a bit of momentum, encouragement, and these five tips from our Ask a Pro expert Karlton Utter to survive a seller’s market and find your perfect home:

    1. Come to the Table Prepared with a Prequalified Loan

    Be fully prepared with a prequalified loan as soon as possible. Obtaining a prequalified mortgage shows sellers that you are a serious buyer who is able to meet your end of the sale to close the deal. This puts you on an entirely new playing field, with a little more control than what you would have had without a prequalified mortgage.

    2. Be Taken Seriously by Bringing all the Paperwork

    Show the sellers that you’re not kidding around. In a seller’s market, it’s important to show them that you mean business and that you and your offer should be taken seriously. Show up to the table with not only a prequalified loan but with all the paperwork that supports the proof of funds, such as an approval letter from the lender. Actions speak louder than words, and this will definitely entice the seller to work with you!

    3. Be Flexible and Discuss Compromising

    In a dry market, it’s important to remain flexible. Placing too many limitations on the real estate market will make it even more challenging to find a home. Widen your horizon within the real estate market, as this could introduce you to new homes that you would have never seen otherwise. Being more flexible can also make the process of buying a home easier. If you are hesitant to look outside of your pre-determined boundaries, it’s important to consider compromising. You may be required to give something up – such as a desired feature in a home – just to stay within the area you’re set on. Sometimes by compromising a little, you could have it all and possibly for less.

    4. Be Readily Available to Sellers as Much as Possible

    With so many buyers looking for homes, timing is essential. It’s important to remain readily available and open for communication with your sellers, and be prepared to make a move on an offer at a moment’s notice. Make it a goal to respond quickly and follow up on requests – or just follow up to get updates if you have not heard back. Communication is not only important for timing, but it also builds rapport with your seller. This can make the difference in getting the offer and property that you want.

    5. Don’t Play Hard to Get

    Now is not the time to play hardball. A seller’s market leaves very little control to you as a homebuyer. As such, you need to be willing to follow the seller’s lead, as opposed to challenging it with bullheaded negotiation tactics that work in other situations. Limit the contingencies, make a bold offer and if the sellers make a counter offer, proceed carefully by negotiating from there.

    With the proper approach, you can find your ideal home – at your ideal price – even in a seller’s market.

  • Ask a Pro: A Repurposed Entertainment Center for Get-Togethers

    An entertainment center is essential to any home, as it’s the perfect place to bring everyone together, but what if you’re building one from a re-purposed vintage piece? Interior design expert and Dream Team member Jennifer Adams has the answers to turn old furnishings into new functional – and stylish – decor  in the latest edition of Ask a Pro!

     

    Q. I need to create an entertainment center on a main wall of my living area.  I have an old sideboard buffet piece with marble top and 4 drawers. It is sort of traditional in style. It is low to the ground and 48″ wide.  I want to add shelves on the side I think to extend the width on the wall. (My wall is 16′ long).  Can you suggest a style to look for? I was also thinking I should paint all 3 pieces to create a more modern look.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

    — Linda S.

     

    A. What a great idea to use your sideboard in a new way, I love this. Adding shelves to both sides will help make much more of a statement, and will frame your sideboard to highlight it like the treasure it is. I agree with you that the 48” wide sideboard all by itself is not going to hold its own against your big wall!

    I’m assuming you want to add a TV. If you don’t have one yet, think about getting one that is close to 48” wide to match your sideboard, or go a little smaller. Note that it’s 48” in width, not what size the TV is considered! When you buy a 52” TV, that’s the dimension of the diagonal, measured corner to corner. You’ll have to dig deep or measure the display model to find out what the actual width really is.

    Look for shelving units that come in a variety of sizes and shapes. A sleek, modern system would contrast your sideboard nicely. I love to mix and match vintage treasures with modern pieces. Choose two tall units for the sides, ideally to be taller than the TV.

    And to finish off the look, add another shelf to go above the TV. Ideally the top of this shelf would align with the top of the side units, but the center part above the TV could be taller if the pieces aren’t working out, or if you need more space above the TV. Also, please be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions about securing your shelves to the wall if necessary.

    As far as painting goes, I don’t think it matters if all the pieces match or not, it’s just what you prefer. I would definitely have all the new shelves match each other, and be a color that coordinates with your sideboard. You could always live with that for a while and paint later!

    —Jennifer A.

     

  • How to Boost Curb Appeal in the Winter

    Winter elements present a challenge for curb appeal. Unless it’s within the first hours after a fresh blanket of twinkling snow has fallen, cold weather can leave properties barren and debris-ridden. While you won’t be able to get blooms growing in your garden, there are some things you can do to boost your curb appeal this season.

     

    Keep pathways clear

    From the driveway to the front door, the sidewalk to the garage, and areas surrounding the back yard, all pathways should be clear of snow, ice and debris. Cleared pathways also make a home appear cleaner and more well-kept than properties that haven’t seen a shovel. Picking up snow will ensure prospective homebuyers can safely navigate the home and back yard. Always have a shovel on hand and use it before any showing.

    Keep the winter equipment hidden

    Leaving a shovel on the front porch allows homeowners to easily clear a pathway. No matter how practical it is to keep the winter equipment and tools handy, keep these items hidden when trying to increase curb appeal. This is especially true if the items are taking up space on the front porch or can be seen from the road.

    Forbid the snow fort

    If you have little ones in the home, it can be hard to keep them from building a snow fort. While most people will smile at the idea of a child’s creativity, it could prevent interested parties from seeing the home as a blank canvas for their family. Keep the front lawn clear of snow forts and snowmen. The same rule should also be applied to holiday decorations. While an inflatable Santa Claus may seem like a great way to bring attention to your home, it can be more of a distraction than anything else.

     Keep the exterior lights bright

    Potential homebuyers often drive past homes for sale to check them out prior to investing their time at a showing. If the exterior lights aren’t on, they will drive right by without thinking twice. It is important that the outdoor lighting shines brightly and is in working condition at all times. One flickering bulb or dimmed light can make a home appear unkempt.

     

    Make your home appealing this winter with these tips for stellar curb appeal.

     

  • How to Set a Proper Place Setting

    Want to impress your dinner guests with class, style, and knowledge? Nothing projects simplicity and elegance better than a perfectly set dinner table. Take your entertaining skills to the next level, and learn how to set the perfect table, so you can impress every time from now on. Happy hosting!

    How to Set a Proper Place Setting

    There’s no doubt you leave a great impression on your guests when they arrive at a beautifully set dinner table, especially on the holidays. Setting the plate the right way is just the beginning and opens up so many possibilities for creativity. Which themes will you go with this season? For more stylish lifestyle tips and tricks, visit us on YouTube!

  • How to Decorate Using Winter Whites to Brighten Up Your Home

    Although the weather outside may be frightful, your interior doesn’t have to be. While the days certainly get darker as the winter season rolls in, there is plenty of beauty and light to be found; one of the best things about the winter season for some areas is being able to watch the flakes of snow turn your town into a winter wonderland—and the same appeal can be implemented in your home. So, take advantage of those winter whites, because they’re one surefire way to fight off the winter blues this season. Here are some excellent decorating ideas you can use to take advantage of the beauty that only comes around once a year.

    bhgrelife.com - How to Decorate Using Winter Whites to Brighten Up Your HomeLight Up Your Life

    Good use of ample light is one of the most important decorating tips. Now, with the winter season bringing more dark than usual, it’s never been more crucial. Having light within your home can be the perfect way to brighten your spirits when the winter blues begin to settle in. Grab some candles and line your mantel, purchase the new chandelier you always wanted, and install light dimmers to set the mood. You’ll be amazed at how chic your interior will look with a combination of winter white and light.

  • How to Make an Elegant Do-it-Yourself Wreath    

    One of the easiest ways to add a cheery curb appeal and charm to your home—while getting festive for the fall and winter season—is by having a decorative door. You can also easily craft your décor to match your style and preferences, and with this inviting and simple DIY wreath tutorial, you will be sure to add a bit of elegance to your home exterior.

    How to Make an Elegant DIY Wreath

    A seasonal wreath can add so much charm to your home and truly is the perfect way to greet your holiday guests! With so much DIY inspiration to choose from, Which of these crafty ideas will you try first? For more stylish lifestyle tips and tricks, visit us on YouTube!

  • Home for the Holidays: Clever Hacks with Household Items

    Getting your home ready for the holidays goes beyond hanging a stocking or trimming a tree. With family and friends spending extra time together, why not create a feeling of coziness around the house? The Danes have a word for this warm winter mood: “hygge” (pronounced ”hooga”). This word loosely translates to taking pleasure in soothing things and enjoying a comforting, warm atmosphere at home with loved ones. There are many ways to get in the spirit, without spending a lot. Here are our favorite “holiday hacks” using common household items.

    bhgrelife.com - Household Hacks for the HolidaysDisplay Your Good Cheer

    If you have a gallery wall in a hallway or gathering room, greet your guests with this easy decor hack: Swap out the photos or artworks in the frames with some in a seasonal spirit. Use colorful greeting cards saved from years past, treasured holiday photos or photos of friends, kids’ winter drawings or snowflake cut-outs, bits of wrapping paper, or festive words!

     

     

     

  • 5 Unique Art Ideas to Decorate Blank Walls

    Creating artwork to decorate blank walls is easier than you think with our creative and unique ideas. Watch the video below for five simple decor ideas that will give your home the stylish update you’ve been looking for. From repurposed chargers to travel photos to shadow boxes to floating shelves, the DIY art decor possibilities are endless!

    5 Unique Art Ideas to Decorate Blank Walls

    Which of these crafty ideas will you try first? For more stylish lifestyle tips and tricks, visit us on YouTube!

  • 10 Ideas on How to Decorate an Inviting Mantel

    A mantel is often the focal point of its room, so it can be the perfect place to set the tone and ambiance of your interior. With this incredible amount of potential, you may need some tips and tricks for decoration. Luckily, with these 10 ideas on how to decorate an inviting mantel, yours will bring warmth, dimension, and personality into the room.

    Bhgrelife.com - 10 Ideas on How to Decorate an Inviting Mantel1. Use Seasonal Décor

    As the season changes, so should your mantelpiece. Swap out the fresh flowers of spring and summer for some fall foliage, and then update the fall foliage for holiday decorations when the new season arrives. New décor on the mantelpiece will be an excellent conversation starter and will keep your living area revitalized throughout the year.