All posts by Alysia Heun

Seasonal Splendor: Adapting Your Outdoor Aesthetics to Embrace Every Time of Year

A pair of front doors with seasonal decor.

As the seasons change, it is fun to update your outdoor space. There is so much you can do with your landscaping to match the four seasons! Here are a few ideas to keep your style fresh and your curb appeal high all year.

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Before You Box: How to Host a Profitable Pre-Move Garage Sale

A garage sale featuring several items that need to be rehomed before moving.

There is nothing quite like a big move to spur a reassessment of everything you own. As you begin preparing to pack, you’ll likely discover a myriad of items you no longer need or want. Don’t just toss the things you won’t be bringing to your new home. Instead, it is time to plan a mega garage sale. A pre-moving garage sale is an excellent way to declutter, reduce moving costs, and even earn extra cash to help with your moving expenses.

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Eco-Friendly Upgrades: Enhancing Property Value with Sustainable Landscaping

Small river rocks with a few native plants, an example of sustainable landscaping.

The rising concerns over climate change and a sustainable future have boosted the demand for eco-friendly properties. Living spaces with eco-friendly features do more than just reduce the carbon footprint. Such properties benefit the owners in several ways such as cost savings, health improvement, and a significant rise in property value. Healthy landscaping can speed up the sale of a property by as much as 6 weeks and add up to 14 percent to its resale value.

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Own a Piece of History: Stunning St. Clair Riverfront Estate

The front of 4071 River Rd.
The current view of 4071 River Rd. in East China, Michigan.

Experience the charm and elegance of a bygone era with a rare opportunity to own a breathtaking St. Clair Riverfront Estate. This historic gem, featuring over 170 feet of picturesque riverfront on an international shipping channel, is now looking for its next owner.

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Lite Meals for Warm Days

A couple chopping vegetables for a lite summer meal.

Summer is here. The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the air is filled with the promise of barbecues, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. But with all the fun, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen for hours, or feeling lethargic after a heavy meal? The good news is you do not have to be. Here are some quick and easy lite meals that are delicious and perfect for keeping you cool and satisfied during the hottest months of the year.

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Understanding What Counts as Debt When Applying for a Mortgage

A person calculating out her debt-to-income ratio.

When you apply for a mortgage, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) will play a vital role. The mortgage lenders will review your credit profile and check the DTI ratio to assess your affordability. So, the debt-to-income ratio will indicate how much debt you carry, such as credit card balances, payday loans, medical bills, personal loans, and utility bills against your monthly income.

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Understanding How to Take on a Renovation as a Young Homeowner

A young couple hanging up a light as they are renovating a room in their home.

If you have watched home improvement shows like “Fixer Upper” or “Property Brothers,” you are probably very excited to renovate your home. On TV, home renovations look fast, fun, and exciting. However, working through a renovation as a young homeowner comes with a unique set of challenges.

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Will a Backsplash Add Value to Your Rental Home?

A wet bar surrounded by blue cabinets and decorative tile.

It is no surprise when two houses in the same neighborhood command rent at different prices. While they are often within the same range, one landlord can ask for up to $300 more per month, depending on what upgrades they have installed in their homes. It is one of the reasons real estate experts recommend regular repairs and frequent renovations to maximize your earning potential and stay ahead of the competition. Even seemingly small upgrades can improve your ROI, attracting more tenants and allowing you to charge more for your property. So, how about a backsplash? Will it add any value to your rental home? Let us find out. 

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7 Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Hands in the air with various tools used for home and construction projects.

Summer is a beautiful season to enjoy long days, warm weather, and outdoor activities. However, it is also an ideal time to tackle some essential home maintenance tasks. Proper summer home maintenance enhances your home’s appearance and ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are seven summer home maintenance tips to keep your home in shape.

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