Homeowner Tips Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Lori Blank & Associates

26

Oct

Around The Home

Five Unique Renovations That Can Make Small Living Spaces Feel Bigger

Just because you live in a small space doesn't mean your home needs to feel cramped. There are several renovations that are popular among interior designers to make a space feel larger. Incorporate them into your own home to give it a more open, spacious feel. 1. Crystal Clear Glass is an absolutely phenomenal way to make a small space feel larger as it removes visual barriers to show off additional square footage, making it seem as though it's part of the room. Whether you choose a glass railing for a staircases or room divider or incorporate a glass shower…

07

Oct

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Looking for an Eco-friendly Upgrade? Try These Easy Ways to Save Water Around the Home

With the impact we have on our environment becoming a matter of greater concern, it's becoming more important for the average citizen to know they're doing their part. While there are many simple tricks for saving water that will make you feel better about your environmental footprint, here are a few easy upgrades that will make that saving a little more automatic. Consider a Cistern Device With outhouses a thing of the past, flushing the toilet has become one of the ways in which household water is being overused the most, but flushing less simply isn't a viable option. Instead…

01

Oct

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

3 Autumn-inspired Decor Ideas That Will Spice Up Your Home

With the season of jack-o-lanterns and crunchy leaves under foot, there can't help but be plenty of ways to integrate the loveliness of autumn into your home decorations. Whether you're looking for a simple touch or a statement that will completely define a room, here are a few ideas for highlighting the best the fall has to offer. Showcase a Seasonal Bouquet A vase full of flowers can add a lot to any room in the house, but a great way to integrate the season outside with your home is to make a bouquet that will utilize the best of…

12

Jun

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

DIY Or Hire It Done, Renovating Real Estate Investment Properties

Sometimes, when buying - or even thinking about buying real estate for investment purposes, you're faced with the need to fix up the property. The question then arises: Should I fix it up myself or hire it done? Unfortunately, no one can give you the right answer. However, there are a few questions that you can ask yourself to help decide the issue: Do I Have The Time? Time is an issue that many people forget about, but it should be one of the deciding factors. Some renovations, such as handles, hinges or kitchen hardware can take very little time…

09

Apr

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

Four Places To Look For Tax Deductions In Your Home

Paying your income taxes each year leave your wallet a bit thin? There may be money hiding in your home that lessens your tax burden. Here are four places to look: 1. Home-Office Deduction If you work from home, you could qualify for a home-office deduction. Taking the deduction can be a bit complicated; so many people who qualify don't claim the exemption. An estimated 26 million Americans have home offices, but only 3.4 million claim them on their tax return. Perhaps that's why the Internal Revenue Service attempted to simplify the process in 2013. The write-off takes into account…

01

Apr

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

While most homeowners are vigilant about regularly wiping down surfaces, disinfecting bathrooms, dusting furniture and mopping floors, there are many nooks and crannies that don’t receive as much attention. That’s why March is the perfect month to do an annual overhaul on your home. Below is a spring cleaning checklist to help you knock it out. Living Room Wash curtains and throw pillows. Take rugs outside and beat them. Vacuum and spot clean sofas. Dust lampshades. Wipe down the television and all other electronics. Kitchen Organize and clean cabinets. Sort pantry and discard items past their due date Go through…

11

Mar

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

Furry Friend Blues, The Best Ways To Settle Your Pet Into Your New Home

Moving can be a stressful and exciting process, and when moving with pets, your furry friend most certainly feels the stress and excitement as well. Pets don't always respond well to a new environment, so it's important to do whatever you can to ease your pet into your new house. Settling yourself and your pet into your new home may take time, but you can make it a smoother process by doing some research and planning. Here's how you can create a stress-free transition for your beloved pooch or kitty. Where To Put The Pet During The Move During the…