Security officials are warning consumers to not abbreviate “2020” in official documents because they say it can be an easy way for scammers to commit forgery. They say the abbreviation makes it easy for scammers to change out the numbers on paperwork. For example, if you write a date like “1/3/20,” scammers could change it to “1/3/2000” or 1/3/2021.”Instead, write out the full year as “1/3/2020” or, better yet, write out the nam
A home short on storage could be a turnoff to potential home buyers. That’s why some home stagers are turning to the armoire in homes that are tight on closet space.Armoires usually have both a rod inside for hanging items and drawers or cubbies for storing smaller items. Along with that extra space to store items and clear overly cramped closets, they can be a stylish accent in a room, too."Most armoires are conversation pieces, so bring one i
A regular inspection of the chimney not only can ensure your fireplace is venting properly but also protect you against a house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.During the holidays, chimney businesses notice an uptick in service calls. These businesses use wire and nylon brushes to clean creosote buildup out of chimneys. Creosote, a byproduct from burning wood, is highly flammable and can increase the risk of a house fire if it’s not reg
It’s important that those granite countertops gleam during showings, but some cleaning products may actually harm them. White vinegar, for example, has been a popular cleaning agent because it’s inexpensive and can combat bacteria and mold on many surfaces, such as glass and linoleum. But the acid in the vinegar can gradually ruin the finish of granite and wear away at the protective sealant, according to a new article at Apartment Therapy.Ac
This Thanksgiving, we offer thanks for family and friends—and also good home design. After all, the right style and an organized appearance goes a long way to helping sell houses.After years of normalizing neutral color palettes, for example, designers are embracing more colorful trends to showcase personality in homes. REALTOR® Magazine's Styled, Staged & Sold blog asked designers and stagers what home interior trends they're mo
The final walkthrough is usually one of the last steps in purchasing a new home. This is also the time when buyers and their agents must have a watchful eye as they check on the condition of the property before they head to closing and make everything official.Check systems one last time.A home inspector may have already been in to assess the property. But the final walkthrough is also a time for buyers and agents to run the heating and air condi
The master bedroom is an important room to stage in oder to help potential buyers feel right at home. Apartment Therapy recently highlighted tips from designers on how to achieve a posh bedroom look without spending big bucks. A few of their ideas include:Add overstuffed pillows. Overstuffed decorative throw cushions can offer a luxurious touch. You can buy inserts that are slightly larger. For example, designers with an 18-inch square pillo
Before purchasing a car, many consumers like to give it a test drive to make sure the vehicle is the right fit for them. Likewise, some house hunters are asking for a “test stay” at a home before signing the sale contract. While that’s not always possible, Tim McMullen, a sales associate with Kinoko in San Francisco’s luxury market, recently offered some tips in a realtor.com® article to accommodate as much of your buyers’ request as p
From shiny kitchen cabinets to wooden ceiling beams, several home design trends aim to liven up neutral interiors in the new year. Home remodeling website Houzz recently asked designers to chime in about what design trends they expect to grow more popular over the next few months. Here are a few trends they flagged.High-gloss kitchen cabinetry. Flat-panel cabinets with a high-gloss finish are gaining popularity, Kimmie Rokahr, a designer wit
When it comes to selling a home, the small tweaks can sometimes make the largest difference. From the tile grout to the smells, Apartment Therapy recently asked real estate pros to chime in with the easy-to-overlook attributes of a home that could increase a home’s value.The often overlooked areas that can make some of the biggest difference include:Clean surfaces and crevicesTake note of those baseboards and tile grout because the cleaner they
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