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Renters Beware: These Hidden Costs May Be in Your Lease

By Leigh Raper Savvy consumers know that companies do all kinds of things to increase the bottom line. Airlines, for instance, charge for a checked bag, while others tack on fees for extra leg room.  And cereal companies keep costs down by putting fewer flakes in the same size of box. But renters sometimes forget their

Everything You Need to Know About Employer Relocation Packages

If your company has asked you to move to a new city or state for work, you’re not alone. Each year, nearly seven million people in the United States relocate because of their jobs. Before you start packing boxes, it’s important to know what your employer will and won’t offer in terms of relocation assistance,

The Top 5 Renting Nightmares and How to Face Them

Renting offers its fair share of perks, but with great flexibility in your living arrangement comes a unique set of challenges – most of which are out of your control. Here are a few tips to help you face the top five renting woes. 1. Pest infestation Pests can be an all-too-common occurrence for renters.

8 Tips for Building Your Own Backyard Treehouse

Whether it’s sleeping under the stars, telling ghost stories or simply enjoying the great outdoors, summer memories are best made in a treehouse. Summer’s start is the perfect time to build your own backyard treehouse. But before you grab a hammer and nails, check out these eight tips from the pros at O2 Treehouse and

5 Water Features That Will Transform Your Garden Into a Tranquil Escape

Water features are tantalizingly beautiful. They fill the air with the music of rushes and trickles, reflect sunlight on the surrounding foliage and, in some cases, even cool you off with a gentle mist on hot days. It doesn’t take much to get the full effect. A brimming urn within view of your kitchen window

How Renting Out Your Vacation Home Can Land You in Hot Water

Ready to buy that ski cabin or lake house? Renting it out while you’re not using it is a great way to make it happen – but not so fast. Lender rules may not allow it, so here’s what you need to know. Loan types and their rules The first step to financing your vacation home is understanding

A Quick DIY for Space-Saving Kids’ Room Storage

Supplies Spice rack building kit, such as IKEA’s Bekvam (one for each shelf you want) Primer (optional) Paint, spray paint or stain 2 anchors and screws per shelf Drill Deciding how to use your home’s space is almost always a struggle, especially if you’re dealing with limited square footage. Today’s simple project offers an affordable –

Personalize Your Space With a DIY Gallery Wall

Blending interior design styles with a roommate or partner is all about including personal touches and pinpointing a shared interest or aesthetic. The floor-to-ceiling gallery wall we created for a special couple on the West Coast is a perfect example. Homeowner Lauren and her fiance Greg are taking a big step: cohabitation. They’re recently engaged, and Lauren is

The 5-Step Plan for Buying a Vacation Home

Dream of owning a vacation home but find the idea of buying one too intimidating? It’s actually easier than you may think. Here’s a guide to help you analyze your options. 1. Match housing choices to your lifestyle Many people assume they must own a primary residence before owning a vacation home, but that’s not necessarily true. What’s

Test Your Home Improvement IQ With This Quiz

Do you watch house-flipping TV shows? Are you embarking on a major remodel for the first time? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, this quiz is for you. Which Home Improvements Have the Biggest ROI? If you’re not in your forever home, it’s a good idea to consider the resale value of