Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2022-11-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – More veterans are taking advantage of an important benefit for service members: A Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1.4 million VA loans were taken out in 2021, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. However, there are still many veterans who are not using this important earned benefit for their service and sacrifice for the country.

VA home loans allow veterans and active-duty service members to obtain home mortgages with more favorable terms than other loans on the market. A VA loan is a mortgage supported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and serviced by authorized lenders, like loanDepot, one of the nation’s largest non-bank retail mortgage lenders.

Why aren’t more veterans and active-duty service members using this benefit? Many are unaware of how to qualify for a VA loan or its benefits.

Eligibility and benefits

You may be eligible for a VA loan if you are an active duty servicemember with at least 90 days of continuous service, or if you are a veteran who served on active duty and was honorably discharged meeting minimum requirements based on your dates of service. National Guard and Reserve members who meet certain criteria are also eligible.

While there are a number of VA loan options, typical benefits can include:

• No down payment
• Competitively low-interest rates
• No private mortgage insurance
• Limited closing costs
• Funding fee waived for disabled veterans
• Lower credit minimums

“A VA home loan is one of the most powerful tools our nation’s veterans can use to purchase a home and build long-term wealth,” said Patton Gade, loanDepot branch manager and former U.S. Army officer. “Yet, it surprises me just how unknown and misunderstood these loans are among the people who have earned them. With all of the misconceptions out there, it’s important to work with a mortgage professional who specializes in VA loans, so you can better understand and unlock their full potential.”

Even knowing about the advantages of VA loans and that you may be eligible, you may still be unsure about using this earned benefit because of popular misconceptions.

1. Myth: A VA loan can only be accessed once

Many veterans are under the impression that you can only access a VA loan once. However, you can use and reuse the VA benefit again and again. There is no limit to how many times you can use the VA loan program as long as you remain eligible.

2. Myth: You can only have one VA loan at a time

Sometimes you may have to finance multiple properties at once. Under certain conditions, with a VA loan, you may be able to finance multiple homes simultaneously, including your primary home, rental properties and vacation homes.

3. Myth: VA loans are less preferable to sellers because they have a lot of restrictions

A VA loan may take a few days more to close versus a conventional loan, but that doesn’t necessarily make them more restrictive.

VA loans have additional controls in place to protect the veteran and their family; e.g., appraisals have to be completed by a VA-approved appraiser, which may increase the processing time of the loan.

4. Myth: The appraisal process for VA loans is more stringent and difficult than a conventional loan

The appraisal process is similar to a conventional loan. The VA approves and hires local appraisal professionals to ensure a smooth process.

5. Myth: VA loans take forever to close

Working with a lender that specializes in VA loans and understands how they work can prevent issues that may slow the process. They can help to keep everything moving on time so you can get the home of your dreams with minimal delays.

If you’re thinking of taking out a VA loan, be sure to work with a lender who has specific expertise with the product and working with the veteran community, so they are well prepared to help you.

2022-11-18T15:49:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start making memories in the kitchen with your loved ones. Whether you plan on preparing a few family favorites or attempting an entire multi-course meal, it’s important to be mindful of kitchen fire safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three times the number of home fires occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day — with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day close behind.

First Alert, now part of Resideo Technologies, Inc., and First Alert brand ambassador Eva Longoria provide these kitchen fire safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this upcoming holiday season:

1. Equip Your Home

The first step in helping to create a safer home is taking the time to ensure you have working smoke alarms throughout your home. According to the NFPA, three out of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without properly working smoke alarms, or no alarms at all.

“We all lead busy lives, but it’s essential that people understand how to protect themselves from the dangers of fire and CO poisoning,” explained Longoria, who has teamed up with First Alert to encourage families to install proper protection, discuss whole home safety and develop their own fire safety plans.

The NFPA recommends that smoke alarms be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, and inside every bedroom. Smoke alarms should be installed high on walls and ceilings and at least 10 feet away from appliances to help minimize false alarms when cooking.

Once alarms are installed, maintenance is key. Testing alarms takes mere moments and is simple as pressing a button and waiting for a beep. You should test alarms regularly and replace alarm batteries at least every six months. To help eliminate late-night battery chirps and battery replacements for a decade, upgrade to First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

2. Keep Cooking Spaces Free of Clutter

With lots of extra helping hands in the kitchen during the holidays, it’s important to ensure that the cooking area is free of any clutter to help avoid any mishaps. Be sure to keep any flammable items — like oven mitts, potholders, plastic or paper bags, and food packaging — away from any kitchen appliance that generates heat. Make a habit of regularly cleaning cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup since grease is highly flammable and will increase the risk of igniting a fire. It’s also important to be mindful of the clothes you’re wearing. Avoid loose-fitting items and dangling sleeves that could potentially catch fire.

3. Don’t Leave Cooking Unattended

With all the holiday cooking coupled with the extra commotion, multitasking in the kitchen is unavoidable. Although you may be able to multitask, you should never leave food that is frying, cooking or grilling unattended. According to the NFPA, unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S. If you must step away, turn off the stove or ask another adult to keep watch for you. Check on food in the oven frequently and set a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is still on. You should also avoid using the stove if you’re under the influence or are feeling tired.

4. Keep Children Away from Stovetops

From scalding liquids to dangling electric cords, there are many dangerous things a child can snatch from the kitchen counter. Maintain a safe cooking environment for little ones by placing hazardous items toward the back of the counter and out of a child’s reach. While the holidays call for all hands on deck in the kitchen, keep children at least three feet away from the stove while in use or cooking to avoid accidental scalds or burns.

Educate your little ones on home fire safety and foster conversations around keeping each other safe in an event of a fire — both during the holidays and year-round.

5. Have a Fire Extinguishing Device on Hand

Since the kitchen is a busy and essential part of the household during the holidays, it’s important to have proper precautions in place. The NFPA reports that ranges and cooktops were involved in 61 percent of kitchen fires, proving the importance of keeping a fire extinguishing device easily accessible to stop fires before they can spread.

For an easy-to-use alternative to a traditional fire extinguisher, have the First Alert EZ Fire Spray within reach. Its lightweight, spray-can design has no pins or levers, making it easy to hold, carry and use. Just point and spray to stop fires fast.

“Ensuring the kitchen is equipped with easy-to-use tools will help keep you one step ahead in fire safety,” said Ashley Gocken, a First Alert safety expert with Resideo Technologies. “The EZ Fire Spray is easy to keep on the kitchen counter or in a nearby cabinet, and its small size also makes it convenient to stash away in key areas throughout the home, like the garage or basement.”

For more tips on protecting the ones you love, visit FirstAlert.com.

2022-11-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – A big part of building your dream deck is the planning. In fact, a typical deck project can take six months (or more) from inspiration to installation. To help make your dream a reality, the following are tips for keeping your deck project on track, on trend and on budget.

Visualize the Possibilities – When it comes to your deck’s design, there are countless possibilities — from simple ground-level styles to more elaborate multi-level decks. Ultimately, a deck should be designed around how you plan to use it. In addition to function, consider your views, neighbors, the prevalence of sun or shade, as well as the entrances and exits from the home and into the yard. All these factors will have an impact on your deck’s size and configuration. Once you have a general design in mind, there are great tools available to help bring your visions to life. Trex offers an AR visualizer app that allows users to experiment with different decking shapes, board colors and railing combinations against the backdrop of your own house. There are also hundreds of downloadable deck plans and other resources available online to help guide you through your deck building journey.

Consider Codes and Permits – Consult your state, county or city offices regarding building code requirements and to learn what permits are necessary for building a deck in your area. Factor permitting into your project timeline so that progress is not stalled by waiting for inspections and approvals. If your neighborhood has a homeowner association (HOA), make sure you understand any rules regarding deck size, color, product type or design. And don’t forget to check with your local utilities to locate any underground cables, wires or pipes before construction begins. Your deck builder should be able to help with this, or you can call the North American One-Call Referral system at 888-258-0808 if you plan to DIY.

Be Mindful of Materials – When choosing materials for your deck, think long term. It’s important to choose quality materials that will withstand years of wear and tear from both weather and use. High-performance, wood-alternative composite decking is resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold. And, unlike wood, it never has to be sanded, stripped or stained, resulting in less maintenance and more time for outdoor enjoyment. High-performance Trex^® composite decking is also sustainably made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials, making it an eco-conscious choice that feels as good as it looks. Sample boards may be ordered online so you can see firsthand how different colors and collections work with your home’s architecture and style.

Budgeting and Beyond – When it comes to budgeting for a new deck, keep in mind that several factors will affect costs, including the size, shape and elevation of the deck, along with labor and the materials you choose. For the latter, you can use an online cost calculator to get a rough estimate for material costs based on the size, substructure and decking products being considered. As for labor, do your research and request multiple quotes to ensure you find the best contractor for your project and budget. Keep in mind that quality deck builders book projects well in advance and often have a waiting list by spring.

With proper planning, it’s possible to make all your outdoor living dreams come true. For more information and inspiration, visit Trex.com/Academy.

2022-11-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – The bathroom has become a multi-functional space — a place to create daily experiences that cleanse, relax and rejuvenate. Designing this space provides the opportunity to select features and fixtures that bring both art and function to the bathroom. The shower, especially one with a unique waterflow, can act as a living art piece, creating an immersive experience that feels as amazing as it looks.

Indulgent Shower Experience

To maximize the shower experience, incorporate technology that brings water to life and transforms a shower from a mundane task to a serene and reviving part of the day. Carefully look at every feature when selecting a shower head — from the spray to the coverage. Each element should come together to create a shower worth looking forward to each day.

The new 14” Raincan Shower Head from the Brizo^® Essential™ Shower Series features an H₂0kinetic^® Drenching Spray that utilizes water-sculpting chips to create thousands of large droplets that pour down in alternating patterns. The shower head provides rich volume and full coverage that replicates water found in a tropical rainforest, thus creating a uniquely recharging shower experience.

Refined Luxury

To elevate the bath space and achieve a look and sense of heightened relaxation, mix textures, unexpected tile patterns and earthy colors. Select fixtures with simple, clean details that bring the space together and create a cohesive, lavish design, to provoke a feeling of serenity. Look to shapes that complement the space and bring a sense of beauty to function. The 14” Raincan Shower Head is available in a Linear Round style, bringing new refinement to timeless simplicity. It is also available in a Linear Square style that elevates the shower through striking clean lines and geometric angles. Either shape creates a breathtaking statement that can live beautifully in any bathroom.

Conscientious Style

Make design choices that are as sustainable as they are aesthetically beautiful to create a bath environment that is both functional and intentional. Select fixtures with water-saving features and high-functioning, eco-friendly products that merge technology with design. Use H₂0kinetic^® Technology to control the shape, velocity and thermal dynamics of water, creating the luxurious feeling of a high-flow shower, using only a fraction of the water. An ideal shower experience is one that is both relaxing and kind to the environment — the epitome of luxury in the bathroom.

2022-11-12T05:15:00

(BPT) – As temperatures start dropping, now is the perfect time to make sure your home will be comfy and cozy all winter. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure your heating system is in good working condition to get you through those chilly winter months — and potentially save on energy bills, too. The best time to do this is early in the season, before everyone else is in a rush to repair or upgrade their HVAC systems.

Even if it’s not cold yet, turn up your thermostat to see how your system is working. Does the heat turn on quickly, and are you feeling warm air coming through the vents? If your furnace has trouble getting started or the air flow seems weak, you could be behind on maintenance — or you may need to upgrade your system.

Here are tips for maintaining your HVAC system, along with action steps to keep everything in good running order.

1. Schedule a tune-up

Having a professional HVAC technician visit at least once a year for a furnace cleaning and tune-up is important for proper maintenance. Scheduling this appointment early in the season is a good idea, as techs get very busy after the first deep freeze happens. An experienced technician will clean all the components and make sure everything is working as it should and can alert you to potential problems before they grow into safety hazards.

2. Change the furnace filter

A dirty furnace filter interferes with how efficiently your heating works — increasing energy costs, while also making your home’s air less clean and comfortable. How often you should change your furnace filter depends on its size, so check the manufacturer recommendations. You can also change a furnace filter more frequently than recommended for maximum comfort, especially when your furnace is under heavy use, you have pets or if you have a family member prone to allergies.

Pro tip: Set calendar reminders on your phone for changing your filter regularly so you won’t forget.

3. Upgrade your thermostat

If your thermostat is older, it may be a good idea to upgrade to a more energy-efficient or smart thermostat. Besides allowing for control when away from home, newer thermostats are better at regulating your HVAC system, keeping your entire system running more smoothly, which can make your home more comfortable and save on energy costs.

4. Consider a replacement

If your HVAC system is old or not functioning well, replacing it with a newer model can offer many benefits, including a much warmer home in the winter as well as savings on energy bills. Ask your HVAC technician what shape your furnace is in, and whether there are any signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced.

5. Check the concrete pad

Both to work more efficiently and to be safer from potential minor flooding, your outdoor condensing unit should be placed on a level concrete pad. If you have a level, you can easily check the slab that your condensing unit currently sits on. If it’s an old concrete pad that’s in rough shape or it’s not level, this is something that should be corrected, whether or not you are replacing your HVAC system.

When you’re ready to replace your condenser, one simple way to save money is to install the concrete pad yourself. This can be easily accomplished by using four 24″x24″ square concrete stones from Pavestone, along with paver sand, to do the job. Pavestone concrete stones provide a quick and easy solution to creating a solid, level foundation for your HVAC system, and does not require expertise to install. You can find easy-to-follow instructions on the product itself, and the process is similar to the video for how to install patio stones on the Pavestone website.

Following these steps, your home can be prepared now, before winter gets well underway. Starting early means you’ll have less time to wait for service, and you can also find better prices on system maintenance or the purchase of a new HVAC system before the winter rush.

2022-11-12T04:01:00

(BPT) – Autumn is a magical time of year, with cooler temperatures and colorful, changing leaves. Depending on where you live, it may still be warm enough to enjoy entertaining friends and family outside throughout much of the season. However, if it’s not so warm where you live, there are other solutions that create easy and affordable ways to elevate your outdoor space.

Here are some ways you can optimize and enhance your outdoor space this fall, even if you’re new to DIY.

Consider how you want to use the space

Are you looking to create an intimate setting for small gatherings, or do you want a larger area to host big get-togethers? Or would you just like to section off a specific spot for relaxing outdoors or playing games on family night? If you don’t yet have a patio or you want to expand your existing patio space, first map out how large of an area you’d like to designate for entertaining, to help add square footage to your home and to make more room for amenities such as outdoor furniture, games, a fire feature or a grill.

To build your patio, consider easy-to-use, stylish and attractive paving stone options such as 16”x16” Avant Patio Stones, which have the look of those ever popular large format linear pavers, and are available in the sleek and modern blended gray color. One big advantage is that these patio stones are far easier and much less expensive to install than individual large format pavers. They also come in six different face textures that are strategically packaged on the pallet, so that installing your outdoor surface in an eye-catching modern design is easy to do. Avant Patio Stones are made of durable concrete that does not attract pests, and they are also resistant to decay and fading. You can find videos and detailed instruction guides showing just how easy it is to install Avant Patio Stones as well as to complete similar outdoor projects at Pavestone.com/resources.

Once you’ve created your space for outdoor entertaining, you’re ready to further enhance your design with a visual focal point.

Create a stunning focal point

Whether you want to host large or small gatherings, it’s always ideal to have an obvious gathering point for conversation, and to add visual interest or even warmth to the area. Focal points are also the perfect way to draw in natural elements to enhance the space and can include anything from a fire pit or water feature to a large planter or living wall full of greenery.

Fire pits are tried and true, staying highly popular because of the variety of options available to build them as well as the sheer beauty, enjoyment and warmth they create. And fortunately for those who are newer to DIY, they can be very easy projects to tackle in as little as a single weekend.

The RumbleStone^® system includes a set of rustic “building blocks” that can be assembled for a variety of outdoor hardscape projects, including fire pits or fireplaces. Their weathered appearance creates a natural look and feel, adding pleasing texture and depth. You can easily construct a fire pit using a RumbleStone fire pit kit, packaged with detailed instructions allowing for very easy assembly — making it possible to complete your fire pit in as little as one day. RumbleStone building blocks are available in tan and gray options that you can order online from your favorite home improvement store website, to be conveniently delivered curbside. Review this webpage to explore some of the possibilities using RumbleStone kits.

Even if you’re a novice DIYer, you could take on one or both of these satisfying home improvement projects over a weekend or two, depending on the size of the area you’re transforming, to create a truly magical outdoor space.

Looking for more design inspiration for your patio, yard or garden? Visit Pavestone.com.

2022-11-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Showcasing your personal style doesn’t have to be limited to the clothes you wear. Now more than ever, people are using their homes as a blank canvas to make a style statement. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function for fashion. Here are five tips for unleashing your design personality while still ensuring your home is engineered for everyday living.

1. Make an Entry Statement

Whether you’re greeting guests or coming home after a long day at work, your entryway establishes the welcoming tone of your home. As our homes have become more multi-functional than ever, consider incorporating stylish storage solutions like coat racks, cubbies or benches that allow you to add touches of personal style while creating a space that’s also useful.

2. Put Your Kitchen Countertop to Work

From cooking and entertaining to schoolwork and crafting, the kitchen island or countertop is the center of many activities in the home. As the focal point of any kitchen, selecting a countertop that is both on trend and able to withstand everyday rigors is of the utmost importance. Wilsonart^® helps homeowners make a style statement with a variety of engineered surfaces in today’s most sought-after natural marble and stone looks. From Quartz and Solid Surface to High Pressure Laminate (HPL), these surfaces are also engineered to meet a variety of lifestyle and budget needs while also withstanding daily wear and tear. They are high-performance, non-porous, meaning it will hold up against stains and look better, longer, and are as sustainable and sanitary as they are stylish. As each of these is a hard surface, they are inherently protected and inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew to keep the surfaces looking and smelling better, lasting longer, and mimic the best of Mother Nature, without impacting the environment.

3. Don’t Let High-Touch Surfaces Cramp Your Style

Homeowners are always looking for ways to mask the unsightly fingerprints that happen to surfaces of the home. Wilsonart^® Traceless™ Laminate is ideal for use on high-touch areas with its nature-inspired tones and ultra-matte finish that provide an organic and sophisticated, luxurious look and feel for cabinets, doors and countertops. This innovative surface option features fingerprint-resistant technology engineered to repel prints, smudges, smears, and streaks in high-traffic areas. It’s stain-resistant, remarkably durable, repairable if light scratches occur, and easy to clean, making it the perfect upgrade from traditional paint.

4. Let the Inside Shine

Opening a cabinet door to find a stark white interior, or a dark abyss that makes it difficult to see what’s inside, adds nothing to a kitchen’s personality. Wouldn’t you rather open the door to spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional? Bring sophisticated style to the inside of cabinets, drawers, and open storage areas with Wilsonart^® Interiors, a collection of Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) designs and finishes. Inspired by natural woven textures, the collection adds a sense of refinement to both open and closed cabinet storage, dressing spaces from the inside-out with a new level of detail.

5. Accessorize!

Deciding on décor is a balancing act. Overloading a space can create an unwanted cluttered feeling. Instead, mindfully choose decorative accessories that will let your personality shine. Then create a perfect blend between practical storage and pleasing aesthetics with shelving. Whether decorated with books, family photos or plants, shelving lets your personal items become décor, instead of distractions.

For more stylish yet functional design inspiration, visit www.wilsonart.com.