Tech problems have taken on greater significance in 2020 as more people work from home. One of the biggest complaints is a bad internet connection.Sometimes even the best internet connection can stall. What can you do?As a first step, restart. Power down your router and modem. On your device, close any apps you don’t need to make sure other background systems aren’t draining your device.Then run an internet speed test to check on your co
The need for curb appeal continues to increase, especially as many local buyers hesitate to enter unfamiliar homes and distant buyers narrow their home-shopping lists from afar in the pandemic. A dismaying front yard may prompt them to move on, whether in person or on the internet.“You only get one chance to make a first impression, and it happens when a potential buyer sees the exterior of your home,” Kate Rumson, interior designer and Trane
Paint firms are continuing to release a range of colors as their picks for the hottest hues of 2021. Benjamin Moore is the latest in announcing its choice: “Aegean Teal,” its top color pick for the new year.The blue-green midtone, with gray undertones, is “rooted in the elegant, hand-spun textures of the home,” Benjamin Moore says. The color evokes a sense of comfort, craft, nourishment, and inspiration, the paint company says.“Amid unc
During the pandemic, outdoor space has become a premium consideration. Homeowners are sprucing up their spaces to maximize every square inch of their properties, and home buyers are reportedly giving more weight to the outdoor appeal of homes. But as the weather cools, how can you continue to take advantage of these spaces?You can still stage an outdoor space to show off its appeal in any season, designers say. Here are few tips from&nb
Bathrooms tend to be smaller spaces, making it easier for house hunters to miss things during a virtual tour. Potential problem areas may require further inspection. Sometimes real estate pros need to be the in-person eyes during their buyers' search for properties online.Realtor.com® recently highlighted several bathroom problems that can be “hidden” during a virtual tour. Here are a few things to look for:Under the sink. It's importan
Autumn is no time for homeowners to ignore their lawns and landscapes. In fact, what they do now will determine the quality of their family yard next spring and summer. During the pandemic, homeowners have been rediscovering the importance of connecting to the outdoors. That has translated into record sales in yard and garden equipment and supplies, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.Tell your homeowner contacts they can ensu
The toughest part of the homeselling process: trying to simultaneously sell a current home while buying the next one, according to a new survey from LendingTree of 964 consumers about their top sources of stress in the homeselling transaction. The transactions must be coordinated perfectly to go forward at both ends without a hitch.But preparing the home to sell and getting it ready for showings bring another common stressor. It can be pricey; th
What’s cooking in kitchen design in 2020? White kitchens, granite, and modern designs still reign supreme, according to a new study of 500,000 Instagram posts in the U.S., conducted by Wren Kitchens.Instagram has emerged as a popular place to share home design pictures and offers insights into trends based on the most Insta-worthy kitchen styles, features, and colors, according to Wren Kitchens.Overall, the modern kitchen style,
Curb appeal is even more important as more home buyers shop for homes from a distance and narrow the lists of which homes they want to view in-person. Realtor.com® recently consulted with Clint Robertson and Luke Caldwell of HGTV’s “Boise Boys” to learn how to increase a property’s curb appeal. Here are some of their ideas:Pay attention to the driveway and walkways.You can take steps to make even concrete look good. After all, the drivew
The coronavirus has grounded many businesses, but the home improvement industry is thriving. Here are projects homeowners can take on safely to make their lives more enjoyable. As homeowners continue to stick close to home, they’re spending a lot of time pondering their surroundings.“After homeowners have been staring at their walls day in and day out, they’ve come to realize what they want to keep, redo, and buy new,” says Jenny Zalkin,
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