If you plan on selling your home next year and want to get the highest price possible, you should put it on the market at the beginning of the spring selling season. There tends to be less competition at that time, so homes listed in early spring will typically sell faster and closer to their list price than those listed later in the year. You’re probably thinking that spring is many months away, and you have plenty of time to get your house ready to sell. But spring comes early in real estate and home sales... read more

Guest post by Karen Kung As the weather begins to lean toward the colder side, memories of the past winter start flooding our thoughts. The one thing we forget every year is just how dry the air can be during the colder months. The importance of humidity in the home is underrated and often dismissed. The most obvious of all benefits to maintaining humidity in the home is preventing that Doc Brown looking hairdo. However, there are a slew of other benefits that could save your health, your home and your wallet. ... read more

Guest Post By Andrea Davis Granite’s durability and looks make it a popular investment for many homeowners. But there are other options aside from granite. Keep reading to learn more about six alternatives to granite countertops. Butcher Block Butcher block countertops provide visual warmth to modern spaces, particularly those with white cabinetry. These countertops are also very cost-effective, especially compared to natural stone. You’ll need to make oiling a regular part of your maintenance rou... read more

By NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm On the move with a little mover in tow? Every parent knows having a baby at home is an adventure. Take that everyday baby voyage and mix in moving your home, now your adventure is more like a hike up Mt. Everest! Here’s the good news, if you plan ahead and take simple steps that trek will become a walk in the park (well maybe not, but a manageable stroll up hill.) Before you pack up and gear up for the baby + move exploration, check out this complete guide for pa... read more

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy. That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages: Draw a map of your home by using a grid with all members of your household, marking two exits from eac... read more