Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2022-11-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – By AmeriSave Mortgage Corp.

For generations, homeownership has been synonymous with the idea of achieving the American Dream. This has certainly been true for many Hispanic Americans, who have used their homes to establish roots in their communities for their families.

More than 8.8 million Latino families now own homes across the U.S., according to a recent report from the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. The Latino homeownership rate is now more than 48%, a number that has been on the rise for the last several years.

Homebuying experts say that many more Latinos are interested in buying homes but have pushed off the decision because they’re unsure if they can afford it or because they would like more education about the process.

AmeriSave Mortgage Corp., one of the nation’s fastest-growing home loan providers, offers the following five tips for first-time homebuyers.

1.) Understand what your legal residency status enables you to do. You’re not required to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for a home loan. Anyone with permanent status — including certain non-U.S. citizen buyers — is eligible for a home loan. The best resource to determine what you can do is the comprehensive guide published by Fannie Mae.

2.) Calculate what you can afford. The amount you can borrow is determined primarily by your monthly income and credit score. Typically, people with higher incomes and credit scores can borrow more than those with lower incomes and lower credit scores. Online calculators can provide a general estimate of how much home you can afford and help you estimate your potential monthly mortgage payment. Not sure of your credit score? You can use a service like Experian, Equifax or TransUnion to learn where you stand.

3.) Report verifiable income. Any income you report to a lender must be verifiable taxable income. Cash income is not considered part of your earnings, so if you’re being paid by an employer in cash, you should ask to be paid via their payroll system, either in the form of a physical check or direct deposit. Similarly, if a large portion of your income comes from cash tips, talk with your employer about ensuring those tips are appropriately reflected on your W2.

4.) Don’t forget about the down payment. Regardless of how much you plan to borrow, you’ll need to set aside funds for a down payment and closing costs. Most lenders require 3% to 5% of the total purchase price, at minimum. Any funds you use for this purpose must be in a bank account for at least 60 days prior to underwriting, so make sure you deposit any cash that you receive from working side jobs, from gifts, etc., before starting the mortgage process. Many cities and counties across the U.S. also offer down payment assistance programs, which are intended to help first-time homeowners. Research these programs online as a first step.

5.) Do your research and partner with a qualified and experienced loan originator. Purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision most people will ever make, so it’s important to have trust in and be comfortable with your mortgage lender. You can verify your lender is authorized to do business in your state through the free NMLS^® (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) Consumer Access^SM page. If English is not your preferred language, many mortgage lenders, including AmeriSave Mortgage, have Spanish-speaking loan originators who can guide you through the entire process and provide forms you can complete in Spanish.

The prospect of buying a home can be daunting. But a qualified, experienced lender can make the process much simpler and less stressful. For more information, visit www.AmeriSave.com.

2022-11-09T12:01:00

(BPT) – Across the U.S., there is a strong, growing need for highly skilled tradespeople. According to the Home Builders Institute, more than 300,000 skilled labor job openings remain unfilled. There are many reasons for this labor shortage, but one that doesn’t get enough attention is the lack of networking opportunities between hiring trades professionals and skilled tradespeople.

According to The Home Depot’s Pro Consumer Insights study, 94% of trades professionals struggle to find skilled workers. Unlike other professions, skilled trade workers looking to hire use word-of-mouth referrals as their primary or only recruitment method. Without a jobseeker platform to connect skilled tradespeople, many positions remain unfilled.

To help fill this gap, The Home Depot launched the Path to Pro Network, a new, unique jobseeker marketplace and platform focused on the skilled trades. This free platform allows candidates to connect with The Home Depot’s Pro customers looking to hire in their local area. Candidates can also apply directly to job postings that interest them.

“Connections are a tradesperson’s most powerful tool,” said Jenna Arca, Director of Workforce Development at The Home Depot. “Whether you’re entering the skilled trades for the first time, refreshing your talents or expanding on your skillset, the Path to Pro Network provides a free platform to showcase your trades experience and make connections with hiring Pros in need of skilled labor.”

Before you can make connections and apply for jobs to advance your career, you’ll need to create a strong profile that will make you stand out to potential employers. If you’re new to making a profile or resume, check out these five profile-building tips.

1. Pick your best work

When it comes to skilled trades, no project is too small to show off your mastery of the craft. However, hiring professionals are pressed for time. They need to be able to quickly assess if you’re the right person for the job.

Write a list of the jobs you’ve done and pick only the best ones that highlight your skills and experience. Make sure that the jobs you pick relate to the skilled trade job you’re hoping to land. Also, ensure the skillsets you include in your portfolio demonstrate familiarity with your desired trades job.

2. Take photos of your projects

You’ve probably heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. Hiring Pros need to see that you can produce quality craftsmanship when they are looking to hire a skilled professional for their team. The easiest and more impactful way to show your skill is to take and upload high-resolution photos to your profile.

During a job, take photos before, during and after to show key stages of your process. You don’t need an entire photo album worth of images. Generally, 3-5 photos of each project highlighting the details of your handiwork will be enough to show hiring Pros what you can do.

3. Describe your job process

Make sure to accompany your photos with descriptions of the steps and stages of each project. These descriptions give potential employers confidence in your ability to plan and execute your work.

You don’t need to write a novel. Keep it simple, short and clear. If you completed a project as part of a larger team, highlight your specific contributions, including examples of when you suggested a solution or collaborated with team members to solve a problem.

4. Sell yourself

At the end of the day, potential employers need to know who you are and that you have what it takes to work in the skilled trades. Make sure you have a profile photo that shows off your smile and personality. A photo helps you stand out in the crowd and adds a human touch to your profile.

The Path to Pro Network also features skill badges that indicate if you have accredited training, are a U.S. Military Veteran, or have graduated from The Home Depot’s free trades training program.

Lastly, don’t skip the “About Me” section. This short description gives hiring Pros a little more information about you before they read your work experience and skills. It doesn’t have to be long or super detailed. Make sure to touch on your current position or title, relevant skills and career goals. This short description gives Pros a quick snapshot of how you sell yourself professionally and if you’re a good fit for their needs.

5. Get connected and land your next job

Are you ready to get connected with Pros and land a job? Visit PathtoPro.com/FindJobs to create your own profile and access the Path to Pro Network, where you can find a job and explore new career opportunities. If you want to expand your existing skill set and get resume and interview assistance, you can also enroll in the Path to Pro Skills Program.

2022-11-08T12:01:00

(BPT) – Who doesn’t want a kitchen that’s well-designed and hard-wearing but also looks beautiful and welcoming? There is one material — hardwood — that incorporates all these qualities. “Professional kitchen designers love working with Real American Hardwood™ products because they’re adaptable and durable, answering all their practical and aesthetic needs,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “Homeowners respond to the natural warmth of oak, maple, walnut and other classic species, which adds character and personality to any kitchen, whether traditional or contemporary in style.” Here are five kitchens that prove Linda’s point.

This traditional kitchen by Whitten Architects (@whittenarchitects) in Portland, Maine, showcases two strong contemporary design trends: all-hardwood cabinetry and the use of natural or light-hued finishes. Here, a colorless stain was applied to the handsome hickory millwork, giving the wood a tawny glow that’s a perfect complement to the cool green of the soapstone counters and backsplashes.

Hardwood works just as well in modern, minimalist kitchens as it does in more traditional ones. MYD Studio (@mydstudio) gets maximum impact out of clean-lined maple cabinetry by surrounding it with a limited number of materials — stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, white-painted walls — in this remodeled Orange County, California, kitchen. And thanks to the clever use of wood slats, the large custom island looks as light and airy as the rest of the space.

SA-DA Architecture installed this simple but elegant one-wall kitchen in the great room of a turn-of-the-century mansion they renovated in Brooklyn, New York. The flat-panel walnut cabinets strike a discreetly modern note while integrating smoothly into the imposing space, which features original exposed joists and new oak floors. Aesthetically, the white undercounter cabinets form a solid compositional block that’s pleasingly substantial without being overbearing.

In the kitchen of an Orange County, California, house by Gonterman Custom Homes, designer Laura Brophy (@laurabrophyinteriors) sets up a Mediterranean vibe by juxtaposing clear-stained, solid-walnut cabinets and open shelving with elements in different shades of gray: dark charcoal for the granite countertops; subtle smoky striations for the island’s marble slab; and palest mist for the glossy backsplash tile. It’s a winning recipe that’s both sophisticated and easy.

Shaker style gets a masterful update with the custom maple cabinetry in this Buffalo, New York, kitchen designed by Julie Deuble of Sierra Unlimited Construction. No stain color was applied to the wood, so its natural beauty shines through, while its light hue and fine texture are counterbalanced by the darker shades of the glossy tile backsplash, the polished Fantasy Brown granite countertops, and the gleaming stainless-steel appliances.

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using American hardwoods in the kitchen.

2022-11-07T06:01:00

(BPT) – Everyone agrees that water is an important resource, and with the ongoing megadrought paired with increasing costs of water in many cities across the country, water consumption is increasingly top of mind. More people are questioning their daily water use and looking for strategic ways to save at home.

Considering only about 1% of Earth’s water is available for human use, it’s important that everyone take steps to reduce their water use through smart home improvements. Here are three ways you can make a difference and save money:

1. Understand your water footprint

The first step is to understand how much water you’re using. Start by paying attention to your water bill. How much water are you using and how does that compare to months and years past? Some utilities even provide insight into your use compared to your neighbors’, which can be helpful in seeing if you’re above or below average.

Additionally, consider insightful upgrades like the Kohler H2Wise systems that provide key insight into how much water your home uses every day. Plus, this smart system provides 24/7 monitoring that sends real-time alerts to your phone if it detects changes in water pressure that signal potential water leakage or other plumbing problems, so you save wasted water, not to mention, prevent potential home damage.

Each American uses an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can lower your water footprint by being aware of your water usage and making several strategic home improvements.

2. Look for labels

The average family spends more than $1,000 per year in water costs, but can save more than $380 annually from retrofitting with WaterSense labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR certified appliances, according to the EPA. That means if you’re making home improvements, it’s important to look at the labels of products and choose wisely.

The EPA has recently recognized Kohler Co. with a 2022 WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award for its continual efforts to innovate water-efficient plumbing products, promote water conservation and aid in the protection of this natural resource. This award is the company’s 8th Sustained Excellence recognition and its 13th year of recognition overall by the WaterSense program.

By looking for this label and using these products, you can be part of a movement that’s making a big impact on water conservation. Since 2007, cumulative savings due to Kohler brands is over 437 billion gallons of water, 9.26 million metric tons of avoided CO2 emissions and $7 billion in energy and water costs.

3. Make strategic upgrades

Many people are looking for ways to green their home with eco-friendly upgrades. Replacing old toilets and faucets with WaterSense options reduces water use and saves money, especially since these things are used on a daily basis. When it’s time to replace washing machines and dishwashers, remember to keep water conservation in mind as well when selecting updated appliances.

Swapping out your showerhead is another option to help you gain control while saving money. Go a step further with the innovative Anthem digital control that has a sleek, minimalist display that lets you control your outlets, temperature and water flow. Optional built-in eco mode lets you conserve water by using just one outlet at a time, and the summary screen helps to promote mindful water usage.

Finally, research if a tankless water heater might be right for your home. Rather than a holding tank, these units heat water on demand, therefore eliminating the long waits between when you turn on the water and when you actually get hot water flowing, which can equate to gallons of wasted water down the drain.

The EPA states everyone can use at least 20% less water by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances. Pair this with being thoughtful about your water use every day and your entire family will help conserve this precious resource.

2022-10-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – A recent survey conducted by Chamberlain Group found that 69% of homeowners worry about their package deliveries going missing during the holidays, adding to the stress they feel this time of year. Adding to the already hectic holiday season, the survey also found that 74% of homeowners take extra measures to ensure they are home when their packages arrive, including canceling plans/staying home from work to wait for the package. Following are four ways to protect your holiday packages without having to worry about reorganizing your day:

Get deliveries inside your garage — From getting neighbors to grab packages to exploding glitter bombs, homeowners are not short on ideas for how to keep porch pirates at bay. However, if you really want to get serious about protecting your packages, you’ll want a smart garage door opener. Smart garage door openers by LiftMaster and Chamberlain include myQ smart garage technology that works with some of the nation’s largest retailers, like Amazon Key and Walmart+ InHome, for a convenient, secure in-garage delivery experience. With in-garage delivery, you don’t have to worry about packages going missing or groceries being left out in the rain. Packages and groceries are securely delivered to the garage where they stay until you are free to get them, whether you’re home or away.

You might already have a myQ smart garage door opener and not know it. Look up at your opener to see if there is a myQ logo and a Wi-Fi logo, or if it says “powered by myQ” on your garage opener. Then download the myQ app and link to Amazon Key or Walmart+ InHome in app. If you don’t have one, you can easily add myQ to your existing garage door opener with a myQ Smart Garage Control device.

Request a signature — If you are ordering expensive items online, it’s smart to require a signature for delivery. Requesting a signature ensures that your online purchases are never left unattended. If you’re not at home, the mail carrier will typically leave a note with options for rescheduling the delivery or picking up the package in person.

Do the neighborly thing — Work with neighbors and friends to look after each other’s packages. If a neighbor is home when you are expecting a delivery, ask permission to have packages sent to their address or have them hold deliveries that come to your front door. Don’t forget to treat them to some holiday cookies as a thank-you.

Put your packages on hold if you’re traveling for the holidays — If you’re traveling this holiday season, check to see if your mail carrier or delivery service offers a temporary hold on eligible packages. Placing a hold on deliveries ensures the packages are kept in a secure location until you can retrieve them and can be a convenient way to ensure packages don’t pile up on the porch while you’re away. When you return from your travels, you can pick up your packages or have them delivered to your home depending on the service.

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by trying out some of these package delivery tips and spend more time enjoying the moments that matter.

Chamberlain Group, Inc. commissioned a 10-minute, online quantitative survey among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18+ who own a house with a garage. The survey was fielded in July 2022.

2022-10-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Changing leaves and dropping temperatures are tell-tale signs that it’s time to prepare your home for winter and the best time to prepare your home is now before the frigid weather arrives. Winterizing your home can help save on energy bills, keep you more comfortable and prevent damage caused by harsh winter elements.

From prepping the outdoors to indoors, here are five things you can do to get your home ready for winter.

Clear your gutters and roof. Gutters are essential in keeping your home dry as they divert rain and snow away from your roof, preventing water from infiltrating your home and causing damage. Removing dead leaves and debris from your gutters can help prevent potential ice dams, gutter detachment and overflows. While you’re up there, remove any debris or branches that may have collected on the roof and look for missing or damaged shingles that need to be replaced.

Seal around windows and doors. One of the most effective ways to save on heating bills is by sealing your doors and windows. Moisture and cold air can seep through the small openings and cracks of doors and windows, causing your home to feel drafty and chilly while increasing your energy bill. Stay warm and protect your home by replacing exterior caulk with a weatherproof sealant like Dynaflex Ultra Advanced Exterior Sealant. Backed by a lifetime guarantee to prevent mold and mildew growth, Dynaflex Ultra stays permanently flexible and is powered by DAP’s exclusive WeatherMax Technology™, for a waterproof, all-weather protection that won’t crack, crumble or discolor over time.

Inspect your siding. Siding acts as a shield for your home against harsh weather and water damage. Power-wash or scrub off any dirt, mold or residue from your siding to avoid attracting more dirt once the snow melts. After cleaning, inspect the exterior of your siding for any cracks. Cracks are often found between your trim and siding, and around plumbing pipes, vents and electrical outlets, allowing cold air and moisture to travel into your home. Seal the cracks with a durable and waterproof sealant such as AMP All Weather Window, Door and Siding Sealant. Designed with hybrid technology to be resilient and flexible, AMP can withstand extreme temperatures while protecting against mold and mildew as well as damage from harsh weather.

Insulate your attic. Once you’ve sealed your home, you want the warm air to stay in and not go up and out through your attic, so head up there to make sure it’s properly insulated. Add more insulation as needed and be sure to weatherstrip any windows, doors or openings that lead into the attic. An insulated attic can also prevent damage to your roof and reduce the chances of ice dams forming.

Change the direction of your ceiling fans. It’s common knowledge that hot air rises, but did you know you can use your ceiling fans to maximize airflow? Locate a small switch on the motor of your fan and flip it the opposite direction so your fan rotates clockwise. Setting your fan in a clockwise direction will help distribute warm air around the room and reduce heating costs.

For more tips and products to winterize your home, visit DAP.com.

2022-10-25T13:01:01

(BPT) – If you tend to do a deep clean of your house in the fall, you’re not alone. According to a recent Harris Poll online survey commissioned by Bona — a sustainably driven supplier of floor cleaning solutions — 74% of U.S. adults like to do a comprehensive, deep clean in the fall to reset their living space. A deep clean of your home is always useful, but a fall deep clean is a great way to transition from one season to another and prep your home for the winter holidays.

The survey also shed light on some common preconceived notions many Americans hold about cleaning. So, before you grab your cleaning supplies, take a look and see what common cleaning myths you believe and how you can clean your home better this fall.

Myth #1: DIY solutions are safer

About 62% of U.S. adults believe DIY solutions are a safer option than currently available retail products, with 61% saying vinegar and bleach are the most important ingredients for their cleaning routines because they can be used on every surface.

The truth is that DIY cleaning solutions, like water and vinegar, are fine to use on some surfaces but can easily damage floors and other surfaces. It’s important to use effective products that are gentle enough to not damage the surface you’re cleaning.

Myth #2: Mop and bucket cleaning is the best

More than half of Americans believe an old-fashioned mop and bucket is the best way to clean floors. The fact is that mop-and-bucket cleaning can ruin flooring by over-saturating the floors and damaging them. This method also wastes precious water, which is why sustainably minded consumers opt to use spray mops.

If you’re looking for a spray mop to clean and protect your floors, check out the Bona Spray Mop. It uses 97% less water than a traditional mop and bucket, saving 157 million gallons of water per year in the U.S. Spray mops are also easier to use and, when paired with the right formulation, give you the most effective clean with the right saturation to avoid damaging your floors.

Myth #3: Specific cleaning cloths don’t matter

According to survey results, 66% of U.S. adults tend to use old rags or paper towels rather than microfiber pads or cloths when cleaning their home’s surfaces. While using rags and paper products may be cheaper and more convenient, they’re not the most effective or environmentally friendly options. Microfiber clothes are reusable, saving hundreds of disposable pads from ending up in landfills and can decrease deforestation.

Myth #4: What parents say goes

Many respondents said they prefer the classic mop-and-bucket cleaning method because they grew up knowing it (48%) and it’s the most effective/deepest clean (44%). While you may have grown up with one cleaning method, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to it forever. Cleaning formulations and tools have come a long way over the years, and there are easier options that provide a deep and effective clean.

Myth #5: Older generations do things the old-fashioned way

While nearly 60% of U.S. adults agreed that the best way to clean floors is with an old-fashioned mop and bucket, older adults aged 65 and older were less likely to agree with this statement. This age group was also the generation least likely to agree that DIY solutions are safer than those on store shelves.

The truth is, older generations had to use old-fashioned methods of cleaning for decades. Now that they have more options, they’re consciously moving away from mop-and-bucket cleaning and DIY solutions and into options like spray mops and floor-specific cleaning solutions as they see the benefits each provides. Take a cue from your elders and switch to easy-to-use, effective and safe options.

Cleaning should be safe, easy and effective. Knowing the truth behind these five myths may help you up your cleaning game this fall so you can get the deepest clean before winter sets in. To find more cleaning tips, visit Bona.com.

2022-10-24T14:35:00

(BPT) – Looking forward to the holidays? This time of year provides plenty of opportunities for fun gatherings, but even if you love entertaining, it can also bring some stress. The good news is, you can help everything go more smoothly by planning ahead.

Here are some practical tips to help keep your holidays full of joy.

1. Have a plan B

You may be a stickler for planning menus to the last detail — then discover the grocery store is out of one crucial ingredient. With these occasional hiccups, you may feel your stress meter start to climb. To prevent last-minute monkey wrenches, make sure to have a plan B menu, so you can swap out one dish if you can’t find (or forget!) a single ingredient. Same goes for things like seating arrangements — always leave an extra place (or have extra chairs handy) for someone’s unexpected “plus one.”

2. Build in time cushions

Think you need X hours to do your errands or prep food before guests arrive? Add an extra hour — minimum — in case you get waylaid by unexpected events. Construct your schedule starting when guests arrive and work your way backward, listing when you need to do what — always erring on the side of allowing more time than you think you’ll need. Your future self will thank you!

3. Upgrade your food storage

There’s nothing worse than shopping for meals, then finding you don’t have room in the fridge — or discovering your icemaker no longer works, or the food isn’t kept cold enough. Now is the ideal time to upgrade to a 27 cubic feet Smart Counter Depth Max French Door Refrigerator from LG Electronics. This refrigerator’s counter depth design provides all the storage you need without sacrificing design aesthetics. Since today’s kitchens are entertaining hubs for gathering with friends and family, you can have the best of both worlds — attractive design plus smart functionality.

If you’ve ever had a fridge with uneven cooling power, you’ll also appreciate that this model provides a Door Cooling+ vent that extends the reach of LG’s Smart Cooling system — allowing blasts of cool air to reach all areas of the refrigerator to help maintain consistent temperatures, keeping all foods fresh and flavorful.

Even better, you can use the LG ThinQ app to make ice for a party while you’re at work or on the go, adjust temps with a voice command and even receive mobile notifications when the water filter needs to be replaced. And with ThinQ Care, you can receive proactive smart alerts about fridge usage and maintenance on your smartphone to help prevent potential problems and keep your fridge running at its best.

4. Don’t be afraid to delegate

Face it, one person can’t do everything. Break larger items on your do-to list into smaller steps, or find specific, easy-to-delegate tasks for family members, friends or even helpful guests. Most people enjoy helping out, especially when they know exactly what they need to do — and when their job is done. Let go of the need to manage every step so you’ll have more time to relax and have fun.

5. Make cleanup a snap

One easy task to delegate is doing the dishes, which is even easier when you have the best tools for the job. With LG’s Smart Top Control Dishwasher with 1-Hour Wash and Dry, QuadWash Pro, TrueSteam and Dynamic Heat Dry, you can tackle the toughest jobs like a pro. High-pressure jets with 38% more cleaning power spray dishes from multiple angles — and Flex Zone lets you customize cleaning to target different zones inside the dishwasher. The interior provides ample space for lots of dishes and stemware — fitting up to 15 place settings. EasyRack Plus lets you fit more dishes, so you can run fewer loads and make short work of after-dinner cleanup. With three height settings, the upper rack adjusts effortlessly to make room for tall stemware on top or oversized pans below. You can even make a convenient spot for hard-to-fit items like flatware or long-handled utensils.

Another benefit: You’ll be able to turn around multiple loads of dishes when you need them with the one-hour wash and dry cycle, so you can keep everything running smoothly and be ready to entertain guests without a long wait. And you can start the dishwasher remotely from anywhere, anytime, using the ThinQ app, so no matter where you are, the dishes will be ready when you need them.

These tips and tools should help you prepare everything for the holidays, allowing you more time for what matters most. Visit LG.com/us to find products to help everything run more smoothly over the holidays — and all year long.