Better Living

If you're a travel buff, you may know that it's officially "wave season." A moniker that refers to the time of the year—usually January through March—where cruise lines offer great discounts and incentives, wave season is prime time for booking a cruise. But no matter how great of a deal you may get, a cruise becomes an extremely expensive proposition when a problem arises. Prone to snafus...

As summer heat fades and air conditioners go quiet, most Americans get a break from peak-season utility bills. But winter is coming, and with it, the increased cost of heating. From EnergyStar and consumer advisors, here are five tips that may help lower your cold-weather utility bills by as much as $100 a month in total: Get the best rate – Check in with your provider. Some utility...

Changing your decor for the season can be an excellent way to ensure your home is welcoming all year round. It can also allow you a change from your regular decor, ensuring you never get bored with your space. This winter, follow these style rules to ensure your seasonal decorating goes off without a hitch. One-in-One-OutSeasonal decor can bring life to your space and can allow you to change up your...

If your roof is leaking or you have another urgent problem with your house, you’ll need to have a contractor repair it as soon as possible so it doesn’t get worse. Finding a qualified contractor can be a complex process, but you won’t have much time to do your homework if water is pouring through the ceiling. If you research contractors in advance, you’ll be prepared should an issue arise, and...

The real estate industry is a dangerous one. Even for agents who feel capable, even in areas that seem safe, there is always the possibility of a life-or-death situation arising during the many long hours agents spend alone, often in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Follow these four steps to “Lead with Safety” and protect yourself as you work. Establish a Strong Safety Culture Safety culture starts...

For some, keeping house comes naturally. For others, particularly those with young children, it can feel like a constant battle. If your home is not as tidy as you would like, implementing some carefully chosen new habits can be all that it takes to tip the scales. Make cleaning and tidying more manageable than ever before by adopting these habits “clean people” already know. Leave Your Shoes by...

No matter the value of the space we call home, we want it to look as luxurious as possible, even on a small budget. Decorators share tips on small upgrades that add more than their money’s worth of grace and glamour. Quick tip: choose one or two as your budget permits. A Grand Entrance - First impressions begin at the doorway. Start with a clean and freshly painted door, add a nice doormat...

You've heard the whispers and seen the headlines. The housing market is changing, and a recession could be on the horizon. While that term carries emotional baggage for folks who remember 2008 and 2009, it also means that real estate agents will need to rethink their gameplans to keep the ball rolling in the right direction as the market shifts. RISMedia spoke with several prominent real estate...

Do you have a smaller budget but want to own a home and start building equity? When you are looking at housing options for a lower income, it can seem like an uphill struggle. But if you are willing to look at less traditional property types, you might have more options than you realize. Some types of houses for low-income buyers allow you to build a home on a budget that will last for decades....

Roofing problems are sometimes obvious, but they often go unnoticed for years. Then, when a homeowner realizes there’s an issue, the situation is so serious that the roof requires significant repairs or replacement. Routine roof inspections can prevent this type of scenario. You should have your roof inspected once a year, plus after a major storm or any time you suspect there may be a...