Category Archives: Family Home

Downsizing and Investment Strategies for Retirement

By: Frances Black

Two retirees who are choosing to downsize in retirement.

Downsizing from your current home can make a lot of sense for retirees — or even older people still in the workforce. Most real estate accrues over the long run — the Great Recession notwithstanding. Provided you can find a reasonably priced replacement property and a good mortgage rate, residential sales can unlock capital that in later years can help fend off that most morbid of retirement bugaboos: longevity risk.

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Top 5 Unique Outdoor Kitchen Appliances You Should Have

A built-in pizza oven, one outdoor kitchen appliance to consider adding to your home.

Why only cook indoors when you can expand your kitchen to the outdoors? There are countless appliances and pieces of equipment you can invest in to elevate your outdoor kitchen for you and your guests.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 unique outdoor kitchen appliances you should consider incorporating into your home to create the ultimate cooking and entertaining space.

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Winter Chores and Safety Tips

Gloves and a toolbelt to symbolize winter chores needed in the home.

Winter is a magical time of year, but not without its own challenges, mainly as it concerns the safety of our loved ones and homes. It is critical to be proactive to protect the structural integrity of your property and those who reside within it as the temperature drops. This comprehensive guide will review crucial measures to safeguard your home during winter.

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Selling Your Home During the Holidays: Tips for a Successful Listing

A living room tastefully decorated to sell a home during the holidays.

The holiday season is upon us, and if you find yourself in the position of selling your home during this festive time, you might wonder how to navigate the real estate market effectively. Contrary to the belief that the holidays are a challenging time to sell, you can make your listing stand out and attract potential buyers with the right approach. In this guide, we will explore some valuable tips for a successful home sale during the holiday season.

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Prepping Your Home for Winter: Your Essential Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

A homeowner putting a cover on a home's HVAC system as part of winter home maintenance.

As winter approaches, it is time to trade in beach towels for fluffy blankets and to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

Taking time to perform some necessary maintenance tasks can protect your home from potential damage, keep you comfortable, and save you from significant expenditures in the future.

Here is your ultimate checklist to ensure your home is winter-ready!

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How to Incorporate Native Plants in Your Landscaping

A home with colorful native plants around the exterior.

Everyone knows incorporating native plants in the landscape is good for the environment. The plants supply food and shelter for birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Native plants are also good for the wallet. They increase your property value, especially when planted and maintained properly. Here are some tips on how to incorporate native plants into your landscaping plans.

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6 Actionable Tips to Increase Home Safety of Seniors

Two seniors sitting on a couch happily, symbolizing home safety of seniors.

For 88% of people aged between 50 and 80, it is highly desirable to live in their homes as long as possible. However, nearly half of them (47%) give little to no thought to modifying their living places. Such modifications should concern increasing home safety, first and foremost.

Why is a safe living place crucial for the elderly, and how can you make your home more secure to age in?

Let us answer those questions in turn.

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Creative Ways to Maximize Your Storage Space

A woman using storage space in her ottoman to hold pillows.

Creating more storage in your home is often a top priority. But when you have reached the limit of your current storage capacity, you may need to think outside the box to make the most out of the available space.

Regardless of whether you are stuck in a small apartment or inhabit a larger home, you are not alone when it comes to the struggle of navigating a lack of storage. Finding smart and efficient storage solutions is crucial to maintaining an organized and clutter-free living environment.

Not sure where to begin? Here are five tips and tricks to get the most out of your storage.

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Best Grass Types for Outdoor Aesthetics

A green grass lawn in a backyard.

Aesthetics is a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty. Grass aesthetics include aspects like the way the lawn feels underfoot and its park-like appearance. Or maybe the lawn is filled with white clover and violets, which support pollinating insects without looking weedy. Perhaps the aesthetic is a bit rougher underfoot and able to withstand children playing, backyard sports, and swing sets.

Fortunately, there are grasses that fit each of these aesthetics. Some will give you a picture-perfect lawn and others will add height, textures, and colors to the landscape.

Need help deciding what type of grass will be the most aesthetically pleasing for your lawn? Read on to learn about the best grass types for outdoor aesthetics.

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Upgrading Your Lighting: Cool Options to Level Up Your Home

New pendant lights installed over a kitchen island, an option for upgrading your lighting.

Let your home come alive with some new, captivating lighting upgrades! Get ready to bask in the brilliance of cutting-edge illumination that will ignite your senses and elevate the feel of every room. Picture sleek pendant lights casting a spell of elegance while smart bulbs put the power of ambiance at your fingertips. From cozy nooks to vibrant living spaces, each corner of your home can benefit from refreshed lighting fixtures. Embrace the magic of these excellent options and watch as your living spaces take on a new life!

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