Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2023-04-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – With the arrival of spring comes renewed inspiration to clean out the cobwebs, get out in the sunshine — and tackle much-needed home improvement projects. Too often we limit the “spring cleaning” energy to overlooked closets, but some of the best opportunities are just outside your home’s four walls. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior, not only to impress your neighbors but to boost your pride in your home — as well as its value.

Whether you plan to stay for many years or plan to sell soon, you don’t have to do a major overhaul to make improvements that offer a great return on investment, enhance your home’s energy efficiency and make it the best-looking house on the block.

Here are five high-impact ways to revamp your home’s exterior this spring.

1. Give your landscaping a makeover

Before everything is fully in bloom is a good time to assess what’s working in your yard, and what’s not. Start the season with a clean canvas by picking up leaves, sticks, branches and other debris that may have been collecting in your yard over the long winter months.

You could even make room to add a few colorful new plants or start a vegetable garden. Start planning your flower, vegetable or herb gardens by deciding whether you’ll use containers, raised beds or plant in ground. Use native plants that will thrive in your region all season long and consider the level of upkeep based on your lifestyle. Look for inspiration online and select plants that will complement your home’s exterior or consider coordinating colors with the front door.

2. Welcome visitors to your home with new doors

What’s the first thing people notice about your home? Your front door — also known as the perfect backdrop for those “first day of school” photos coming in just a few short months. Upgrading to a new front door makes a big difference, offering an unmatched opportunity to completely change the look of your home’s exterior with an on-trend paint color or stain and an updated design that’s right for your home. A well-designed door can elevate your home’s style and curb appeal, withstand the elements, and provide better energy efficiency and security.

For example, JELD-WEN fiberglass exterior doors use advanced materials to prevent moisture from getting in the door — which helps prevent rotting, warping and cracking, offering more durability than a wood door. Their high-density polyurethane foam core is energy efficient, offering five times more insulation than solid wood doors, helping you save money on your energy bill. Plus, you can choose your finish hardware and glass for a fully customized look that matches your home’s style.

JELD-WEN Smooth-Pro Fiberglass Doors have a light brush-stroke texture that can be painted any color. For a more classic look, JELD-WEN Design-Pro Fiberglass Doors are created to resemble the beautiful, natural look of real mahogany, oak or fir woodgrains, featuring high-definition panels with wider profiles to provide more depth and authenticity. Find the option that best suits your style at JELD-WEN.com.

3. See the world clearly through new windows

Your front door is only part of the curb appeal equation. New windows can also have a big impact on the overall look and functionality of your home. Window technology has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent decades, and if your windows haven’t been replaced since cassette tapes were in vogue, your home could benefit from the improved energy efficiency and security new windows can provide.

Window choices can be overwhelming, so it helps to consider your main goals in the most important rooms in your home: will you open and shut them frequently? You also want to consider the best overall style to complement the house. If replacing all the windows is too big of a project for your schedule or your budget, consider replacing any showing signs of disrepair, windows facing the front or those most often used. JELD-WEN offers consumers more information about replacing windows to last.

4. Improve your indoor-outdoor living

Does your outdoor space have enough areas to sit and relax? You don’t need a new deck or patio to maximize your yard, but adding shade with a sun sail, pergola or gazebo are just a few options to make your outdoor space more livable. Creating a focal point with a fire pit or water feature can make the space work that much harder for you.

Do you have older lawn furniture that doesn’t exactly invite people to sit and sip tea on a warm afternoon? Ideal furniture is sturdy enough to weather the elements and comfortable enough to keep guests chatting rather than looking for an excuse to call it an early night. Benches and swings are other options to consider for additional seating.

Have you already updated your backyard and outdoor landscaping? Consider remodeling or replacing the entry door between your outdoor and indoor living spaces to maximize the natural light in your home and improve the views of your new outside living area.

5. Shine a light on your home

When did you last update your home’s lighting? Well-designed lighting makes your home more attractive to guests, especially on warm spring or summer evenings, but good lighting choices — including motion sensors — also impact your home’s security. Walk around your home at dusk to notice areas that could benefit from security lighting, as well as spots where you’d like to hang out with friends and family.

No matter your price point or spring-cleaning schedule, there are options to help your home look its best for the new season.

2023-04-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Many homeowners don’t realize that the space below a deck can offer tremendous potential. With a little creativity and the simple addition of an under-deck drainage system, the area beneath a deck can be used for almost anything, from additional living space to discreet and waterproof storage. Using a network of troughs and downspouts, an easy-to-install system like Trex^® RainEscape^® captures and diverts water away from a deck, protecting the area underneath from the outdoor elements and allowing for it to be outfitted with everything from furnishings and accessories to ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components.

Here are 10 ways to make the most of this bonus outdoor space:

Bring the indoors out.

By protecting the area beneath a deck, you can virtually double your outdoor living space. This patio incorporates a seating area, dining table, and an outdoor kitchen, creating a setting well-suited for any outdoor occasion.

Dine al fresco.

An al fresco dining area takes any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Think beyond the traditional grill and patio furnishings to create an elegant, open-air gathering spot. Incorporate soffit lights into the ceiling to enhance ambiance and extend the usability of the space.

Watch the seasons change.

Why create a space you can only enjoy for a few months? By enclosing the area beneath an elevated deck with windows and screens, you can enjoy the great outdoors in comfort no matter the season or the weather.

Get cooking.

There’s no need to miss a moment of fun with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. With the Trex RainEscape system, gas lines and electrical wiring can be run safely and discreetly between the deck surface and a soffit ceiling to accommodate whatever may be on the menu.

Soak in serenity.

If you love spending time outside, even during winter, a hot tub is a great addition that works with any size deck, so long as the overhead space is larger than the tub. This protection from the weather means you can enjoy a relaxing soak whether there’s sun, rain or snow.

Create an under-deck café.

Let’s say you enjoy the idea of dining outside, but you’re not up for a full-blown outdoor kitchen. Consider opting for an outdoor cafe-style area. This design turns a stone wall into a countertop for enjoying morning coffee, a cocktail or even a meal.

View with a view.

Shielded from the elements and outfitted with comfortable furnishings, a wet bar, and a mounted flat screen television, this space offers an oasis for watching movies, sports or binging your favorite shows with family and friends.

Factor in fun.

If you’re tight on space underneath the deck but still want a design element with unique flair, installing a swing is a fun addition. A swing doesn’t take up a huge amount of space and is the perfect spot to enjoy a breezy afternoon.

Keep it cozy.

Whether hosting a wine night for friends or having a night in with your family, incorporating a fireplace into your underdeck area creates a pleasant spot to enjoy a night of fresh air, while ultimately elevating the ambience.

Store in style.

When properly protected, the space beneath a deck is ideal for storage. Seasonal items such as pool equipment, gardening tools, patio furniture and yard games can be safely tucked away. Size permitting, this space can even be used to house grills, lawnmowers, bicycles, ATVs and snowmobiles.

For more ideas and information, visit TrexRainEscape.com.

2023-04-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – America has begun the transition to a clean energy future, but what does this mean for you and your family — and what smart energy choices can you make to significantly increase your home’s efficiency and make a difference in protecting the climate?

Clean energy is generated from renewable sources without producing any pollution, which helps to improve the health of the environment and reduces the amounts of harmful emissions people are exposed to. Electricity made from clean energy can power appliances, heat and cool homes, and fuel transportation.

On the other hand, burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, either at the power plant or in your home or car, results in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and air pollution that impacts human health and the environment.

Benefits of clean energy abound — shifting to electricity generated from renewable sources of energy is important to slow down global warming and protect the environment from harmful smog and toxic buildups in the air and water. Using renewable sources of energy also helps conserve natural resources and reduces dependence on foreign oil.

At the same time, using energy efficiently is important to ensure there is ultimately enough clean energy supply to meet the demand. Here are some key steps you can take to be part of the clean energy future.

Step 1: Make efficient electric upgrades to your home

Start planning an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade, which is a set of six high-impact, energy-efficiency improvements for your home that include upgrading to electric heat pump technology for heating, cooling and water heating. Working together to deliver significant energy and cost savings, an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade is designed to help you transition from fossil fuels for an energy-efficient, healthier and more comfortable home.

For the average American household, almost half of the annual energy bill goes toward heating and cooling — approximately $900 a year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, finding ways to efficiently heat and cool your home — such as switching to a super-efficient heat pump for heating and cooling and integrating a smart thermostat for more efficient energy usage — is key to reducing energy usage and saving money year-round.

After heating and cooling systems, your water heater is the second largest energy user in your home and uses more energy than your refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher and dryer, combined. Given the energy intensity of water heaters, switching to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater, specifically one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label, can save you hundreds of dollars on your yearly energy costs.

Finally, you’ll want to pay attention to your home envelope and make sure to seal any air leaks and check for adequate attic insulation. These changes alone can save homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs — or an average of 11% on total energy costs — by air sealing key areas around your home such as attics, crawl spaces and basements, and making sure your attic is well insulated.

Step 2: Switch to green power

Choosing electricity generated by renewables, such as wind and solar, instead of fossil fuels, supports a cleaner energy supply and makes a difference in the fight against climate change. Take advantage of opportunities in your community to choose green power as the energy source for your home.

Step 3: Switch to an electric vehicle

Driving an electric vehicle can save you money and benefit the environment. For every mile driven using electricity, you can save half of what it costs to drive a similar gasoline-powered vehicle. On average, the savings can be $800 to $1,000 a year on fuel and $4,600 on maintenance over the vehicle’s lifetime, according to Consumer Reports.

Fully electric vehicles are also quieter than gasoline-powered vehicles and produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping you significantly decrease the level of toxic chemicals and greenhouse gas emissions emitted from your car.

How to save on green home upgrades

The Inflation Reduction Act is making it more affordable for families to purchase energy-efficient equipment, make repairs to their homes and save money on their utility bills each month. New federal income tax credits are available through 2032, providing up to $3,200 annually to lower the cost of energy-efficient home upgrades by up to 30%.

Combined with utility rebates offered in many parts of the country, these incentives could significantly reduce the cost of making energy-efficient improvements to your home. Learn more at Energystar.gov.

2023-03-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Springtime’s melting snow or heavy rain can cause sump pump problems and sewer backups for homes with basements or crawl spaces. Damage from either can be costly, because sewer backup and sump overflow are excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. Fortunately, most home insurers do make this coverage available by endorsement.

“Independent insurance agents sell this coverage to about 85% of all homes written with Acuity,” said Bob Hertel, director of personal lines product development at Acuity Insurance. “Many homes written with other insurers do not include an endorsement to cover losses caused by sewer backup or sump overflow.”

Many municipal sewer systems are outdated, and flooded streets can quickly cause severe water damage to basement walls, flooring, furniture and other personal property. Sump pump maintenance is often ignored until water overflows into the basement. Standing water isn’t just difficult to handle, it can be costly too. Over the past five years, Acuity Insurance’s average claim payment for sewer backup is $6,787 and sump pump coverage claims average over $7,630.

Consider these tips to help protect your home from sump pump problems and sewer backups this spring:

• Buy a special endorsement that includes coverage for sump overflow and sewer backup. This endorsement will cover your home and personal property in the event of water damage from a sewer backup or sump overflow.
• Test your sump pump at least once each year. A simple and effective way to test your sump pump is by pouring water into the sump pit. If the pump does not run, it needs cleaning, repair or replacement. If it requires maintenance, consider assistance from a licensed plumber.
• Replace your pump. Sump pumps typically should be replaced every five to 10 years. Preventive maintenance is key to your system’s longevity. If you don’t stay on top of it, you might not notice that your pump needs to be replaced until you need it most.
• Consider purchasing a battery backup sump pump and an alarm system. A backup battery or generator will ensure your pump does not fail in the event of a power outage. Sump pump alarms are designed to alert you when your sump pit is at risk of overflowing. Many types of alarms are available, with prices ranging from about $12 up to several hundred dollars for an advanced Wi-Fi system that sends warnings to your smartphone.
• Consider the value of your basement. Hertel notes that Acuity Insurance’s most common endorsement limit is $5,000, but this is probably not enough for a finished basement. Most companies offer limits up to $25,000 or more. To determine an appropriate limit, consider what it would cost to replace water damaged walls, floors, furniture and other basement-kept personal property.
• Ensure the sump pump discharge pipe discharges water far enough away from your house. If the sump pump discharges water too close to your house, the water will seep right back in and cause unnecessary wear on your pump. Ensure the sump water is discharged downhill and far enough away from your house for adequate draining.

“Preventing water from backing up into your home is an important task,” Hertel said. “Make sure your home is protected by taking preventive maintenance steps. Even with the best maintenance, some water backup losses cannot be avoided. Contact your independent agent to ensure you have appropriate coverage and limits in case something goes wrong.”

2023-03-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know gardening can have a significant, positive impact on people’s lives? During the pandemic, 18 million new gardeners turned to their outdoor spaces to relieve the stress and anxiety caused by isolation. In addition to the calming effect that working in and visiting gardens can have on mental and physical health, gardening also teaches valuable life skills. For example, at a community garden in Detroit, homeless women and mothers gained confidence and self-reliance by learning how to grow their own vegetables.

Here are five vital ways gardening can enhance your well-being, along with just a few examples of how they’ve changed many lives for the better.

1. Boost your physical health

Working in your garden is a great way to be more active. According to the CDC, gardening is the second favorite physical activity of older adults (behind walking), providing moderate physical activity which may help reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and maintain a healthier weight — all factors that can reduce your risk of heart disease, among other benefits. Being outdoors helps you obtain vitamin D from sunshine, boosting your mood and contributing to your body’s ability to absorb calcium, which is crucial for bone health, according to the National Institutes for Health. Physical therapy in a garden setting is a proven technique for faster recovery times. As an added bonus, you can grow vegetables and fruits for a more nutrient-rich diet.

2. Make social connections

At a vocational therapeutic garden in Chicago, one young man with autism relearned how to communicate verbally after years of being unable to use his voice. This helped him socially, as well as enabling him to get and keep a job. To create your own social connections, try joining (or volunteering at) a gardening club, working in a community garden or chatting with a neighbor while you’re working in your yard.

3. Stimulate your brain

Gardening keeps your brain active. Planning your garden, researching plants and methods to help them thrive all increase your scientific knowledge. Learning how plants grow, understanding their life cycle and their impact on pollinators are all vital for appreciating what the earth needs — and how everyone can contribute. At a prison in Texas, they’ve reduced the recidivism rate from 35% to 4% thanks to the job training skills parolees learned during a one-year horticulture training program that enabled the parolees to get and keep jobs after release.

4. Grow your mood

The Japanese concept of “forest bathing” means immersing yourself in the natural world. Japan made this part of their national health program due to research showing the many health benefits of being in nature. The therapeutic benefits of gardens are widely appreciated, which is why you see therapeutic gardens at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, hospices and other facilities. Research reveals that those who spend time outdoors may experience better recovery, less anxiety or depression and reduced reliance on pain medication. Children in a homeless center in Dallas were given the opportunity to work in gardens, leading to a marked reduction in their aggressive tendencies caused by the uncertainty in their lives.

5. Elevate your experience

For many, spending quiet time in nature also helps foster a feeling of connection with all living things. Gardens have long been a feature of spiritual retreats and sanctuaries. If you want to experience calm and tranquility, gardens provide uplifting, serene environments that can help you attain that sense of inner peace.

Create your ideal garden

Knowing what an impact gardens and gardening has on people’s lives, you may be inspired to create your own, or to reimagine your existing garden. Want to enhance your physical well-being? Grow healthy food, or expand your garden to provide more opportunities for exercise. Looking for connections? Join a garden group or invite friends to garden with you. Aiming to stimulate your brain? Research what grows best in your region or learn about new plants. Interested in boosting your mood? Plant colorful flowers that make you smile and create spaces to relax and enjoy nature. Want to feel uplifted? Create a sanctuary with space for practicing yoga or meditation.

With a little planning, work and time, you can make the most of your garden this season, and you’ll be reaping the benefits for years to come. Learn more about the goodness of gardening at NationalGardenBureau.org.

2023-03-21T09:31:06

(BPT) – According to leading real estate website Zillow, a functional outdoor space is the most sought-after amenity among today’s homebuyers. For homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces this year, following are six trends expected to shape backyards in 2023:

1. Light Neutrals

Light, neutral hues are permeating home design inside and out due to their ability to create a sense of calm and serenity. Providing the perfect foundation for an on-trend outdoor space is Trex Transcend^® Lineage^™. This low-maintenance composite decking delivers an elevated aesthetic with heat-mitigating technology to reflect the sun and keep boards cooler underfoot.

2. Mixed Materials

Gone are the days of matchy-matchy monotony. Today’s homeowners are embracing eclectic design schemes with lots of visual interest created by juxtaposing materials like concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone — as well as mixing colors and patterns for added personality and visual intrigue.

3. Sustainable Selections

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” but a meaningful requirement among increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex^® composite decking is an eco-friendly choice that outperforms and outlasts natural wood.

4. Stylish Seclusion

More than a quarter of all Zillow listings highlight privacy as a selling point. This penchant for stylish seclusion is driving demand for fencing, pergolas, privacy panels and lattice, which create a sense of sanctuary with products that are visually appealing, durable and easy to maintain.

5. Mood Lighting

Rising inflation will have homeowners looking for small investments that make a big impact. From candles and string lights to fire features and deck lighting, a little illumination can completely change the look and feel of an outdoor space without breaking the bank.

6. Added Function and Value

Make the most of your outdoor space by optimizing the area beneath the deck. With an under-deck drainage system, this space can be used for storage or as a bonus living area. RainEscape^® is an innovative system that accommodates electrical and gas lines to power ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components, allowing homeowners to achieve the finished look and function of an interior room.

More outdoor living ideas, tips and inspiration can be found at Trex.com.

2023-03-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Americans are eager to travel, but also feel nervous about leaving their homes unattended. As the spring and summer travel season heats up, many people are planning trips, but that doesn’t mean leaving home for an extended time is easy. According to a 2023 trend report from SimpliSafe, a fourth of respondents are very or extremely concerned about home break-ins while traveling and that number increases to 41% when looking at Gen Z specifically.

These concerns have led more people to seek solutions that secure their homes before traveling to gain peace of mind and in turn, better enjoy their vacations. In fact, 83% of respondents listed peace of mind as a primary reason for buying a home security system and 49% of respondents explained that they use their home security system to check on their investments — such as expensive appliances, sentimental heirlooms and important documents — while away from home.

In addition to home security, travel nerves can be tempered through preparation and automation to enhance peace of mind before hitting the road. To help ease your travel worries, follow these five proactive and simple steps to better secure your home while away.

1. Alert neighbors about your trip — but not on social media

While it’s a great idea to let neighbors know you’ll be away so they can watch for suspicious activity around your home, don’t broadcast your upcoming vacation on social media. It’s not recommended to let the world know when your house will be unoccupied.

2. Invest in a home security system

The SimpliSafe Trend Report report found that 65% of respondents and 69% of parents say a home security system would put their minds at ease while traveling. To help secure your home, consider installing home security products such as entry, motion and glassbreak sensors, and indoor and outdoor cameras to protect against unexpected visitors. It’s also worth considering environmental sensors such as water sensors and smoke detectors to safeguard your home from burst pipes, electrical fires or other home hazards. Remember, securing your home is not just about preventing break-ins. In your basement, water damage or burst pipes can be equally catastrophic. Investing in the appropriate sensors will help detect and prevent potentially costly damages.

Even better, by using 24/7 professional security monitoring, like SimpliSafe, you’ll know you’ll get help when it’s needed, day or night.

3. Don’t hide keys outside

While it may seem like a harmless solution for letting in house sitters, pet sitters or cleaning services to your home while away, hiding a key outdoors is not secure. Give a spare to a trusted neighbor or friend, or consider using a Smart Lock so that each family member or friend has a unique PIN for entry. This way, you can provide safe access to people who are taking care of your property or pets while you’re gone, while also having visibility into who’s coming and going.

4. Stop mail delivery

It’s also recommended to have the postal service stop mail delivery during your trip, so piled-up mail doesn’t alert a would-be intruder that you’re away. You can do this online by creating a USPS account and making a “Hold Mail” request, or by visiting your local post office. You should also stop newspaper delivery if you use that service. Alternatively, you could also ask a neighbor, relative or pet sitter to bring in mail and newspapers for you.

5. Move vehicles into your garage

If you are leaving a vehicle at home, you’ll want to make sure it is protected as well. If you have a garage, move all vehicles into the garage before heading out. Using an outdoor camera will provide an added layer of protection as well as visibility outside your home. For homeowners without a garage, make sure your vehicle is locked and position an outdoor camera to face your driveway.

Follow these steps so you can relax and enjoy your hard-earned vacation.

For the best security at the best price, SimpliSafe can give you and your family peace of mind whether you’re home or away with 24/7 professional security monitoring there to help if you’re in trouble. When it is time to come home, SimpliSafe found that 85% of respondents are happy to return after a trip and can focus on unpacking rather than worrying! To learn more, visit SimpliSafe.com.

2023-03-20T08:15:00

(BPT) – According to leading real estate website Zillow, a functional outdoor space is the most sought-after amenity among today’s homebuyers. For homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces this year, following are six trends expected to shape backyards in 2023:

1. Light Neutrals

Light, neutral hues are permeating home design inside and out due to their ability to create a sense of calm and serenity. Providing the perfect foundation for an on-trend outdoor space is Trex Transcend^® Lineage^™. This low-maintenance composite decking delivers an elevated aesthetic with heat-mitigating technology to reflect the sun and keep boards cooler underfoot.

2. Mixed Materials

Gone are the days of matchy-matchy monotony. Today’s homeowners are embracing eclectic design schemes with lots of visual interest created by juxtaposing materials like concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone — as well as mixing colors and patterns for added personality and visual intrigue.

3. Sustainable Selections

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” but a meaningful requirement among increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex^® composite decking is an eco-friendly choice that outperforms and outlasts natural wood.

4. Stylish Seclusion

More than a quarter of all Zillow listings highlight privacy as a selling point. This penchant for stylish seclusion is driving demand for fencing, pergolas, privacy panels and lattice, which create a sense of sanctuary with products that are visually appealing, durable and easy to maintain.

5. Mood Lighting

Rising inflation will have homeowners looking for small investments that make a big impact. From candles and string lights to fire features and deck lighting, a little illumination can completely change the look and feel of an outdoor space without breaking the bank.

6. Added Function and Value

Make the most of your outdoor space by optimizing the area beneath the deck. With an under-deck drainage system, this space can be used for storage or as a bonus living area. RainEscape^® is an innovative system that accommodates electrical and gas lines to power ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components, allowing homeowners to achieve the finished look and function of an interior room.

More outdoor living ideas, tips and inspiration can be found at Trex.com.

2023-03-16T14:31:00

(BPT) – Your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, and your most important investment. Current home prices remain strong, and this helps boost the average amount of equity per U.S. homeowner. CoreLogic’s Q4 Homeowner Equity Insights show the majority of homeowners have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since late 2021. Home equity is the primary driver of household wealth — but also one asset most people forget to provide complete protection for. Are you protecting your most important investment?

You probably already protect important belongings such as your vehicle with auto insurance, and have homeowner’s insurance for your property. However, there’s one crucial area homeowners overlook that could be the difference between calling your home an investment or a source of severe financial loss: your home’s title.

Most homeowners have good intentions to protect their property, but home title fraud is an area often overlooked. You may be automatically protected against major destructive events like natural disasters and theft via your homeowner’s insurance, but this does not cover home title fraud.

Many homeowners don’t realize the vulnerability that exists with the home title recording system in the U.S. The fact is, anyone can present a fake deed with a fake notary stamp, pay a small fee and, if all the spaces are filled in correctly, the county recorder’s office must accept it. Homeowners can be completely unaware of this until the lender tries to foreclose on the home.

This ease of filing and online access to detailed property records has created a new wave of cyber-crime called home title theft.

Whether your house is worth $200K or $2M, it’s imperative to understand all the ways you can protect it. The first step is determining how much equity you have in your home. To calculate your home’s equity, subtract your current mortgage balance from your home’s market value. If that number is $50,000 or more, you should have an equity protection plan in place.

Why should you go beyond home title insurance?

One common misconception is that home title insurance will cover any issues that occur after you purchase your home. Most policies protect against past history up to the day you close on your property, but they do not cover future events. In addition to home title insurance, your bank, your homeowner’s insurance and legal trust also do not protect against home title fraud.

Protecting your home’s title is a two-step process: home title insurance for until the sale is completed, and then home title monitoring identity theft prevention services for any conveyances made after closing.

To help protect your home’s title, Home Title Lock monitors the title of your property 24/7. When new documents are recorded that could affect your property value or ownership, you’ll be alerted in real-time. If potential fraud does occur, you’re not alone, as a team of experts are there to help you navigate the situation. The company also provides a free home title history report with initial sign-up, which allows you to see past activity on your property and learn if you’re already a victim of home title fraud.

Where there’s a will there’s a way

Another crucial step to protect your investment and ensure that your home will be in the right hands to help your legacy securely live on is careful estate planning, including preparing a will. This is one step that many people put off, especially when they are younger, assuming that it isn’t very likely it will be needed soon. However, the future is impossible to predict, so it’s vital to protect your family by taking this step as soon as possible. Creating an estate plan provides many benefits: It helps transfer assets with ease, and ensures that your beneficiaries receive what you intended, protecting your family’s future.

With these steps, you can have peace of mind that your biggest investment — your home — is better protected.

2023-03-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing like the warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and longer, brighter days to inspire you to take a fresh look at your home, and the ideal place to get started is in one of your most-used spaces: the bathroom. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your bathroom, so why not go beyond a thorough cleaning to make the room feel brand new? Fresh, seasonal colors give the room an upgraded look, and products like a new toilet seat let you continue that spring-fresh feeling all season.

Here are simple ideas to help you get started on revamping your bathroom this spring.

1. Invite more color: Start with swapping out some of the simple elements in your bathroom, taking the opportunity to brighten the space with fresh new colorful towels, bathmats and even a new shower curtain. Choose light, appealing colors and/or patterns based on natural elements that will bring more of a springtime feeling into your home.

2. Decorate thoughtfully: Consider adding some easy decorative accents, like glass jars filled with cotton swabs, small soaps or garden flowers. A little goes a long way, so choose just a few of these accents to help give the room a sense of spa-like elegance, without making it seem overly busy or cluttered.

3. Think attractive storage solutions: Include smart and visually appealing storage options such as a few pretty baskets on shelves for holding extra guest towels, for example. Baskets are also really useful for keeping that extra clutter off of your countertops, and you can easily organize them by categories like toiletries, washcloths and makeup.

4. Upgrade your seat: Spring cleaning for your bathroom isn’t complete without a new toilet seat. The Mayfair by Bemis Affinity is an attractive plastic seat that installs easily and is designed for a precise fit, so it never moves after you install it. The seat also features quiet closing to avoid unpleasant slamming. Best yet, the hinges are designed to let you easily remove the seat for thorough cleaning — and when you’re finished cleaning, you simply place the seat back on the toilet and close the hinge caps. The durable plastic seat wipes clean effortlessly for that final touch on a fresh, spring bathroom feel.

Visit ToiletSeats.com for more options to help you find the perfect seat from Bemis Manufacturing Company.

5. Refresh your windows: After giving your bathroom windows a thorough cleaning inside and out, consider updating how they look overall with new window treatments. One terrific on-trend idea is to install roller blinds or Roman shades in lighter colors. If you opt for blinds or shades made from thin-enough fabric, they will still provide much-needed privacy while also letting in some natural light — helping the whole room feel lighter and brighter.

Ready to get started on refreshing your bathroom? These are all ideas you can easily DIY — no plumber or designer required! — that will make a big difference for the look and feel of your bathroom, right away. Then you can relax and enjoy your room all season long.