What Your Dallas Real Estate Home Is Worth To You Is One Thing; What It’s Worth To Someone Else May Be Totally Different.

If you want to boost the value of your home for yourself and in the eyes of others, one of the best ways to do that in today’s real estate market is to make green home improvements.

Going green can mean a lot of things, and it’s easy to start with small changes like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and unplugging appliances when they’re not in use. Not only will you be doing good for the environment, you might end up saving on utility bills and, ultimately, increasing your home’s value when the time comes to sell.

Green projects aren’t all necessarily in the do-it-yourself category, and making an investment to have the bigger jobs done right will pay off in the long run.

“It’s important for homeowners to consider cost-saving efficiency projects as part of their overall home renovation plans,” says RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly. “And a trained real estate agent will be able to identify the projects that cut current expenses and pay potential dividends when you’re ready to sell.”

Getting started now – even if that just means planning – is a good idea, particularly if you’re thinking about selling in a few months’ time. Talk to a real estate agent about what improvements are popular among potential homebuyers, and consider these ideas:

* Insulation: Regulating the hot air your home lets in during the summer and lets out in the winter can have a short-term impact on your heating and cooling bills. To find out whether you need additional insulation in your attic or walls, order an energy audit. Perhaps you could benefit from adding blown-in insulation to your walls. If your attic is unfinished, it’s particularly important to make sure that it’s appropriately insulated to avoid wasting energy.

* Windows: Caulking and putting up energy-saving window film is a great start, but a more dramatic change might make a world of difference if you want to make a sale. Replacing your existing windows with high-efficiency versions can be an expensive proposition, but the return on your investment can be dramatic, particularly if you’re hoping to attract buyers.

* Landscaping: While planting isn’t always possible in the coldest months of the year, putting together a plan for energy-conscious plantings is a great idea. Consider adding trees that will bring shade to the sunniest spots, like the west side of your home, to cut summertime electric bills. Trees that lose their leaves in the fall will let light in during the winter, as opposed to evergreens which will block it throughout the year.

* Water: Take the first step by turning down the temperature setting on your water heater. For more savings, consider replacing older heaters with energy-efficient models or even solar water heaters. Adding insulation to your pipes can also make a difference in how much energy is used to heat water.

Most homeowners put a lot of effort into making their homes attractive, welcoming spaces. With green updates, you can make your home not only more comfortable and more energy-efficient, but also more appealing to buyers. Add the potential energy savings and the possible boost in home value and you have even more reasons to bring your home into the green age.

For recommendations about making your home green, talk to a knowledgeable real estate agent. Green agents at RE/MAX have a commitment to sustainability and specialized knowledge that you can tap into when making improvements.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

 

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

You Might Not Be Aware That Your Home May Pose Some Hidden Risks For You And Your Family.

But you don’t need a fat budget to give your home a safer and healthier boost. After all, there is nothing more important than keeping your family safe.

Hazards may be lurking in your home, and for $100 or less, you can make the home improvement precautions needed to protect your family from common household dangers. Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the nationally syndicated show “Today’s Homeowner,” recommends these budget-friendly DIY projects for a safer and healthier home:

* Mount Smoke Detectors: There should be a smoke detector on each floor and in or near every bedroom in the home. Installing them is as simple as mounting them 4 inches from the wall on the ceiling. Smoke rises, so opt to place the detector at the highest point of the ceiling if you have an angled ceiling.

Estimated cost: $30

* Install A Water Filter: If you’re concerned about lead, VOCs, microbial cysts and pharmaceuticals in your tap water, or even if you just don’t like the taste or smell of it, install a DIY water filtration system. Filtrete Brand makes a full line of them, such as the High Performance Drinking Water System that comes with a dedicated faucet and will provide your family with cleaner, better tasting water.

Estimated cost: $100

* Secure Heavy Furniture And Appliances: Children are susceptible to bookshelves, televisions or other furniture falling over and causing harm. Use furniture brackets or straps to secure dressers, the stove, audio equipment and more to the wall to ensure passersby are safe from falling and tipping items.

Estimated cost: $10 or more, depending on number needed

* Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas, is a result of improperly vented or defective home systems such as heaters, furnaces and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide does not rise to the ceiling like smoke, so the alarms can be mounted anywhere, such as plugged into wall outlets or affixed to walls and powered by batteries.

Estimated cost: $50

* Install A Bathroom Vent Fan: Poor ventilation in the bathroom can lead to a buildup of excess moisture, which is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Install a bathroom vent fan to push the moist air outside the home to avoid creating unhealthy conditions in the room, as well as fogged-up windows, steamy mirrors, and eventually ruined walls and ceilings.

Estimated cost: $100

For more information and other tips, visit FiltreteWater.com.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

 

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

While the ever-evolving conveniences of online shopping and digital communication often make life a little easier, sharing valuable information over the Internet comes with a considerable amount of risk.

Consumers should not only be aware of the dangers of being online, but should also take preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim of online scams or fraud.

“Protecting valuable information online is just as important as securing a home, car or personal possessions,” says Rebecca Smith, vice president of marketing for Master Lock. “It is essential that people educate themselves and take the proper precautions to safeguard their information online, ensuring important account data and passwords are protected within the digital space.”

1. Firewalls Are Your Friend: Be sure to activate your computer’s firewalls as they are great tools to provide you with a line of defense against hackers and Internet crime. Firewalls monitor all the communication occurring between your computer, a network (say at the office) and the Internet and can prevent strangers from accessing your information.

2. Surf and Shop Safely: Consumers should be careful when surfing or shopping on a site they’ve never visited before. Good indicators that a site is secure include checkout pages with lock symbols or sites with the prefix “https,” indicating that a page is encrypted or scrambled.

3. Download Security Software: There is a wide variety of security software available that automatically updates itself and can protect your personal computers from viruses, spyware and other online threats that are constantly in play. Sign on and scan your computer for viruses and other malware once a week to ensure your information stays safe.

4. Create Strong Passwords: Short, easy-to-remember passwords, are typically not complex enough to prevent being hacked. When creating passwords for online bank accounts and other sites, use passwords with at least 10 characters that are a combination of letters, numbers and most importantly, symbols. It’s also a good idea to change your passwords on a monthly basis to keep it secure.

5. Be Cautious: Avoid posting any personal information online, do not open email messages from strange addresses and never give your browser permission to remember your passwords.

6. Shut It Down: We all know that with many advances in technology, one can be connected at all times. However, being online 24/7 comes with risks. Attackers and/or viruses are more likely to target your computer if you are always connected.

7. Back It Up: Consider backing up all of your most important information at least twice a month and rest easy knowing it is stored safely in more than one place.

8. Use Parental Controls: Many Internet browsers offer the option to set parental controls. Check out your options to restrict the websites viewed on your computer and protect the settings you select with a password your kids won’t be able to figure out. This way, you’re keeping your information, and more importantly, your children safe from various online dangers.

9. Lock Up Your Valuable Info: Consider utilizing a secure, online storage application or website, such as the free Master Lock Vault, to house all of your passwords, account numbers and essential information and documents under one easily accessible, yet completely secure location. Storing this information online is safer than keeping hard copies or a non-protected file on your computer. Services like the Vault can act as an encrypted digital safe deposit box and give users peace of mind that their vital information is locked up tight.

10. Two Is Better Than One: User authentication, also known as two-tier or device authentication, should always be enabled if offered by sites that collect your secure or private data at registration. With this enabled, you may receive an email or text message with a verification code to complete your account set-up. While this may seem inconvenient at the time of sign-up, the extra protection is well worth this extra step.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

From the moment the alarm chimes, it can feel like a race to get through the day. From prepping for school or day care, to finalizing school projects and running to after-school activities, there’s hardly a moment to spare! And with career demands, the stress of being a busy parent can really set in and negatively affect the body in many ways.

Luckily, some simple tips can help you reduce stress and feel your very best while being a good mom or dad to your family. Dr. Keri Marshall, a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in pediatrics, women’s medicine and chronic disease management, understands the high demands of modern parenting. She offers some important tips that all parents should consider to help reduce stress and improve overall health and well-being.

1. Time Management

“Time management is key for reducing stress and helping busy parents keep their sanity. The problem is that time management is a skill that must be learned, not something we’re born with,” says Marshall. “Staying organized can help you achieve all your goals.”

Whether it’s a traditional calendar on the wall, making lists, or a new smartphone app, organize your week and share your schedule with all family members. Remember to manage priorities — you may have to push grocery shopping a day or two in order to make a child’s band concert or big game. “Also, be sure to schedule breaks throughout the day,” reminds Marshall. “Just five or 10 minutes here and there can give you the pause you need to stay calm and collected.”

2. Nourish Your Body

What you put into your body makes a huge difference in how you feel. Some foods can even help reduce stress and boost your immunity so you don’t wind up sick, something busy parents simply don’t have time for.

“Being stressed causes the body’s cortisol levels to rise,” explains Marshall. “This stress hormone can cause you to crave unhealthy foods, so resist temptation and eat foods that help calm the body and balance hormones and blood sugar. Foods high in vitamin C, like berries and other bright-colored fruit, are great for boosting the immune system and balancing cortisol levels.”

Another simple thing you can do every day to help reduce stress and stay healthy is to take a fish oil supplement. “With a number of different benefits, fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids that can improve heart, joint and brain health, plus increase immunity. I prefer high-quality fish oil supplements from Nordic Naturals because they are great tasting,” says Marshall. “Another unique benefit of fish oil is it can help to boost mood as well. A growing body of research has demonstrated that omega-3s can help promote a positive mood and well-being, which is critically important for people battling stress.”

3. Prioritize Sleep

“Physical stress can make it difficult to sleep. People stay up later trying to get things done, and then when they do go to bed, they have trouble turning their brain off at the end of the day,” says Marshall.

Keep in mind, quality sleep each night can help keep your body healthy and increase your productivity levels at work and at home. By making sleep a priority, you’ll help ensure that you make the most of every hour in every day. While the National Sleep Foundation notes that the amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, generally seven to nine hours is considered optimal to maintain health.

4. Share The Workload

You know the adage: It takes a village to raise a child? Well, today’s parents are busier than ever, and often they think they need to do it all themselves. Leaning on friends and relatives to help out when needed can dramatically reduce your stress. Plus, it can be a fun change of pace for kids.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” says Marshall. “Raising children is one of life’s greatest adventures, but no one can do it all. There’s no shame in asking Grandma to run the kids to soccer or having a friend watch the kids for a few hours because you have a work deadline. Plus, it is great bonding time for your children and the loved ones in their life.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report says that even minor kitchen remodels return more than 72 percent of your investment at the time of resale. Yet the cost of even a “minor remodel” doesn’t look that minor – $19,588 on average, according to the report.

What If You Don’t Have That Kind Of Budget? The good news is it’s possible to completely change the look and feel of your kitchen for less than $2,000 – by choosing meaningful upgrades that have the biggest cosmetic impact for the least cost. When deciding what changes will have the most value for your project, think about changes that will be most visible in the space.

Gutting A Kitchen And Replacing Every Element Can Cost Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars. Not many of us have that kind of renovation budget. Your money can be better spent – and saved – by replacing a few key elements that have the biggest visual impact.

The Sink And Faucets Are Not Only Essential Functioning Parts Of The Kitchen, they can be a design focal point, too. Fortunately, replacing a sink can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make in a kitchen. Opting for a visually distinctive design, like an apron-front sink, can help transform the look of the kitchen. Models like Kohler’s self-trimming apron-front kitchen sinks make it easy for do-it-yourselfers to achieve this distinctive look.

The stainless steel single-basin Vault models, and the double-basin Whitehaven enameled cast iron model, require no custom cabinetry – only the removal of the false drawer front you find beneath most traditional sinks. This makes these top-mount sinks ideal for homeowners looking to install a new sink that works with existing cabinetry and countertops for less than $1,000. Plus, the Whitehaven is available in 16 different colors, making it easy to turn your sink into a design focal point.

Cabinets And Countertops Are Major Design Elements, And Can Be Costly To Replace Completely. It’s often easier for a DIYer – and less costly – to refresh cabinets with a coat of paint or new varnish. Swapping out old, dated hardware for newer more modern styles is also a simple, low-cost way to give cabinets a facelift.

Laminate countertops that are scuffed, cracked or scratched may need a new sheet of laminate, but new technologies make replacing this type of countertop easier than ever. If you have granite that has lost its luster due to staining, look into specialized cleaners that can restore its beauty. You can even find products that will lift oil stains from granite.

The Walls Are Another Major Design Element That’s Easy To Give A New Look. A fresh coat of paint will brighten the room, even if you’re just repainting the same color. You can find excellent interior wall paints for as little as $25 a gallon at your local home improvement store, and unless you have an enormous kitchen a gallon or two is usually enough to do the job. While you’re painting, don’t forget to do the ceiling and wood trim – you’ll be amazed at how much brighter your kitchen will look with fresh paint throughout.

Adding Something New To The Kitchen - some element that didn’t exist before – can also enhance the cosmetic changes. Installing a backsplash is a simple way to introduce a new design element without spending a bundle. Having a professional install glass tile, ceramic or even tin can run up costs, so look into doing the job yourself. You’ll find plenty of guidance and advice, including demonstration videos, online. Or, contact your local home improvement store to see if they offer free (or nearly free) classes on how to install different types of tile.

If you’re unsure how a new faucet or sink will affect the look of your kitchen design, you can find online kitchen planners to help you visualize the new look.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

Each winter the average driver in these areas will see more than five inches of snow on the roads. And when the snow is falling there are few things more comforting than the sight of snow plows and salt trucks making highways safe for commuters, shoppers and travelers.

In the Snow Belt, citizens expect roads to always be cleared of snow and ice, no matter how bad the storm, says Bret Hodne, public works director for West Des Moines, Iowa. To help meet those sky-high expectations, Hodne orders salt months before the first snowflake falls. His motto is “don’t trust your climate,” because if you plan for an average season it’s bound to be a record-setting winter of snow and ice.

Snowfighters first began using salt in the 1930s for snow and ice control, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that salt became widely adapted as one of the major weapons to keep winter roads safe. In an average Iowa winter, Hodne’s department alone uses 4,000 tons of salt and keeps twice that amount in storage.

Salt Works by lowering the freezing point of water, and when applied on already-frozen roadways (de-icing) it helps to melt the ice. When salt is applied before a freeze sets in (anti-icing) it helps prevent liquid water from becoming ice. This is why drivers will often see salt trucks out and about before the roads start to freeze.

Both methods give tires more traction with the pavement, keeping roads open and safe while protecting lives and commerce. How quickly salt melts frozen water depends upon a number of variables, including temperature, time and the rate of application. Fortunately, it is usually not necessary to melt all the snow and ice on a road. Merely destroying or preventing the bond between pavement and frozen water is a more efficient, economical and environmentally sensitive approach. In fact, salt is the single most effective and economical method for treating roadways.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, snowy, slushy or icy pavement accounts for more than 116,000 Americans injured and more than 1,300 killed on each year. In fact, 24 percent of all weather-related vehicle crashes occur under such wintry conditions. A study by Marquette University -found that effective use of road salt reduced vehicle crashes by 88 percent, injuries by 85 percent and the cost of accidents by 85 percent.

Icy Road Conditions Are Not Limited To Northern States, However. Sudden and unexpected snow storm and freezing rain can affect southern states as well. In January 2011, such a snowstorm hit Atlanta covering roadways in a sheet of ice and shutting down routine business and traffic for five days. In response, Bill Shelton, road maintenance division manager of suburban Cobb County, has implemented a distribution system that gets salt from storage to roads as quickly as possible. Instead of storing salt and sand in just one location, Shelton has spread it out to five spots throughout the county for easier access to its 2,500 miles of roads.

Snow-Fighters Have Several Safety Tips For Winter Drivers. The most important is if you can avoid driving, it is best to stay off the roads — at least until the snow plows and salt trucks have had a chance to do their job. It is also best not to pass road-clearing trucks. Drivers will also want to make sure they have tires with good traction, cleared windows and headlights with properly working windshield wipers and anti-icing fluid in order to see and be seen, and to leave a good amount of space between their vehicle and the one in front. Finally, remember that taking your time and driving safely is more likely to get you to your destination. For more information please visit www.safewinterroads.org.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

With our fast-paced lives, this term, coined by www.trendwatching.com, a leading trendscouting website, describes the trend of the consumer’s need for instant gratification. We want fast service, fast answers and fast results.

And, of course, this need for fast fixes extends into our homes. Luckily, no matter how pressed you are for time, you can spruce up your house by focusing on simple projects that can be completed quickly … in a day or a weekend. Don’t delay – check these easy and affordable projects off your to-do list today and soon your home will be perfectly prepared and instantly updated.

Fancy Fixtures

As the workhorse of the kitchen, we have dozens of daily interactions at the sink. So, give your kitchen a functionality facelift by upgrading your faucet. The innovative Moen Delaney or Haysfield kitchen faucets with MotionSense are an ideal choice to bring your kitchen into the digital decade. MotionSense allows you to accomplish a variety of routine tasks with speed and efficiency, offering you three ways to operate the faucet. In addition to the traditional handle, you can activate it by using the Wave Sensor – by waving your hand over the faucet to turn on and off – or the Ready Sensor – by placing your hands or an object under the spout. In addition, the eye-catching designs of the faucets, both featured in a Spot ResistStainless finish which resists water spots and fingerprints, create an immediate aesthetic update.-

Next, tie the finish of your new faucet throughout your room by updating the hinges, knobs and pulls on your cabinets for an uncomplicated and inexpensive way to add new dimension to your kitchen space.

Restore Beauty In The Bath

In a recent Gallup Poll, 80 percent of workers said they feel stress on the job, making it important to make your home – and specifically your bathroom – a relaxing retreat. Swap your old, boring showerhead with the new Moen Halo rainshower to create a serene sanctuary within minutes. Available at The Home Depot (approximately $59), Halo features an innovative, pivoting double-ring design which provides 60 percent more coverage than traditional 9-inch rainshowers. Three spray settings – full rainshower, deep massage and relaxing massage – create a spa-like experience, and with an easy two-step installation, you can upgrade your bathroom in no time.

Another fast fix for the bathroom is to simply get organized … and stay that way.- Keep your hand towels tidy by installing a Retractable Towel Ring. The thoughtfully designed accessory offers the traditional benefit of a towel ring, with a retractable cord that extends from the base to allow the towel to be used – yet stay neatly in place. Simply pull the towel toward you, dry hands and release. The unique accessory is the ideal solution for your bath, or even kitchen or laundry room, to keep your towels remaining securely on the towel ring. Within minutes you’ll have a clean, up-to-date space you’ll want to show off.

Refurbish The Living Room

As one of the gathering areas for your family or guests, the living room can get dirty quickly – especially the carpet. Footprints, pet odors or food and beverage spills could be detracting from the enjoyment of the room, so take a few hours to take back your carpet. Many grocers rent steam cleaners for as little as $25 per day, making them an ideal solution to bring new life to your living space. —-

Living room lighting can also have a big impact on your room’s decor and ambiance. Brighten your atmosphere – and your mood – by replacing your current incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency LED lamps. These energy-efficient bulbs will have your home shining brightly all season long, while also saving on your electric bills.

Clean Ceiling Fans

The most neglected fixture in your home might be hanging right above your head – the ceiling fan. Luckily, by flipping a switch, you can improve the effectiveness of this overhead oversight.- Start with dusting the fan blades and housing, and then simply reverse the fan’s usual summer rotation to a clockwise spin to push down warm air from the ceiling. This is easily done with a switch located on the side of the fan’s motor.

Don’t think that fix-ups can’t fit into your fast-paced life. By following these helpful hints, you can quickly and easily renew your home now and make it an inviting retreat throughout the year.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

Both are worthy goals, but did you know that improving your financial health may boost your physical health as well?

“Money problems are a well-known cause of stress, and the negative impact that stress has on one’s physical health is well-documented,” notes Lule Demmissie, managing director of investment products and retirement at TD Ameritrade. “It makes sense that relieving stress through better financial planning, among other remedies, can help contribute to better physical health.”

In fact, TD Ameritrade’s Retirement Survey indicates that taking care of at least one important financial task – retirement planning – may help alleviate stress, both today and in the future. Women who started saving for retirement before their 30th birthday and contributed regularly to retirement savings reported feeling less anxious, frustrated or regretful, and more positive and satisfied about retirement compared to those women who waited to begin saving for retirement or who didn’t regularly contribute to their retirement savings.

Fortunately, the steps for improving your financial health and physical health resemble each other. Whether your goal is to increase your retirement savings or the hours you spend exercising, these five steps can set you on the right path:

1. Set A Goal - It’s important to define your objective. Be as detailed as possible in painting a vision for your future – one that includes the accomplishment of your specific goal. Remember to place direct needs first.

2. Create A Budget - A budget is the foundation for any solid financial goal. Track your monthly income and expenses, both the “needs” and “wants,” and plan accordingly. You need to understand how you are already spending your money and how much you need to save to help achieve your goal.

3. Establish A Savings Plan - Prioritize where you allocate your money. First, it’s a good idea to pay down high-interest debt such as credit cards. Next, consider establishing an emergency savings fund with enough cash reserve to cover at least six months of living expenses. Third, if possible, maximize your retirement savings by contributing the maximum amount allowed by the IRS. If you can’t contribute the maximum, remember that no amount is too small. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, try to take advantage of it. Remember to use easy “set it and forget it” strategies like auto-investing into your 401(k) and IRA and saving regularly will not be a burden.

4. Develop An Investment Plan - After you’ve established a budget and created a savings plan, it’s important to make smart investment decisions with your remaining finances. Work with a professional to help evaluate important factors like risk tolerance, tax status, time horizon, etc. Make sure your investment plan aligns with both your short-term and long-term needs. If you have five years or less to reach your goal, you may need to find more liquid investment opportunities. If you have 10 years or longer to reach your goal, you may have more investment flexibility.-If you prefer to do this last step independently there are many easy-to-use tools that can help you assess your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

5. Get Educated About Money - Money isn’t the only thing you need to invest in order to improve your financial health. You’ll also need to invest time to fully understand your personal financial situation and the options available to help you achieve your financial goals. Take advantage of free savings and planning tools on financial websites like TD Ameritrade’s Life 2.0. The website offers investors access to free resources like retirement calculators and portfolio planners, as well as information on how to make financial decisions that can help you pursue your financial goals.

“Just as it’s never too late to take steps to improve your physical well-being, it’s never too late to start saving for retirement,” Demmissie says. “Taking steps to improve your financial health can help relieve stress now and help you feel more confident about your plan for the future.”

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

While the investment in purchasing or building your own home is sizeable, letting your home fall into disrepair can be even more costly. However, home maintenance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following a few simple steps and making maintenance a regular activity, you’ll not only preserve the quality of your home, but you’ll likely save money over the long term.

Keep A Regular Maintenance Schedule

Whether you’ve just moved in or have lived in your home for decades, it’s important to establish a regular routine to maintain your home. Some tasks should be checked off the list regularly, while others are more seasonal.

Start A List Or Put Reminders On Your Calendar For These Important To-Dos:

* Regularly test fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

* Replace air filters for heating and cooling systems according to owner’s manuals.

* Schedule regular furnace and water heater maintenance.

* Check electrical outlets to ensure proper function.

* Weatherproof doors and windows according to the season.

* Don’t underestimate regular cleaning to keep your home in top shape.

Invest In Items That Protect Your Investments:

Regular home maintenance is worth your while and certain investments can ensure your home remains in top shape for years to come. There are many different products designed to help you maintain your home investment by making it easier to clean, protect, update and more. For example, if pets are part of your family, investing in a great vacuum can help keep your house pet hair free, while a home security system will help ensure your home and possessions are protected at all times.

If you’re building a new home or remodeling, consider products designed to maintain your investments. For example, KraftMaid’s CoreGuard sink base, an engineered polymer cabinet interior, is designed to protect from leaks and spills that commonly occur under the sink. Available through dealers, Lowe’s or The Home Depot, CoreGuard offers a simple solution to protect cabinetry for the long term.

What’s On The Outside Counts Too.

While you may experience the benefits of interior maintenance more regularly, outdoor maintenance is just as important in taking care of your home. Tasks like making sure gutters are clear and siding is clean and damage-free help ensure that the exterior of your home stays beautiful. Strategic landscaping can help with heating or cooling costs by allowing light in or providing shade where needed. It can also help by diverting water away from the house to avoid leaks or damage. Additionally, an investment in the exterior of your house can enhance the curb appeal and make it a joy to come home to every day.

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!

Living in a well-lit room is a much more pleasurable experience than trying to cook, read, entertain or do just about anything in a dark, shadowy space.

The American Lighting Association Offers These Tips For Improving The Lighting In Your Kitchen, Bathroom And Bedroom:

* Add To Your Task Lighting. Many bathrooms and kitchens have plenty of overhead light, but are often lacking when it comes to task lighting, says David Martin, designer with lighting manufacturer Hubbardton Forge. “At the kitchen sink, for example, you can eliminate shadows by including two sources of light.” The result is a workstation with easier-to-see spaces that alleviate eyestrain.

* Include Mood-enhancing Lights And Dimmers. “Places such as bathrooms and bedrooms – once mostly functional – now serve as an extension of our living spaces,” says Todd Phillips, owner and senior designer with Quoizel Lighting. The lights in those rooms should be both hardworking and mood enhancing. For example, inexpensive, easy-to-install cove lights in the kitchen can provide soft illumination after mealtime and cleanup. Additional lights placed at a bathroom vanity and aimed out toward the face can help brighten grooming tasks and offer awakening morning light. A bonus: Those controls can help accommodate varying levels of natural daylight, too.

* Increase The Size Of  Your Bedside Task Light. One of the bigger mistakes Phillips sees in bedrooms is the size of bedside lamps – they’re either too small or not adjustable. “The lamp needs to provide light where you need it, and if it’s too small it can’t do that,” says Phillips. Go for a larger size with increased lumen capacity.

* Install Rack Lighting For Flexibility. Stationary overhead lights are fine when you need to flood a space with light, but too often kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms lack flexible sources of light. A good solution is track lighting. “You can direct one or two of the lights on the track and point them to a wall to add accent light for artwork, and use other lights on the track to create different focal points,” Phillips says.

* Add  A Light Fixture For Drama. A side benefit of beautiful, light-providing chandeliers and pendants is that they provide focal points. “New light sources give homeowners some great options,” says Phillips. “You can drop in a chandelier over a bathtub to create drama and get mood and ambience too.”

As a bonus, those fixtures help provide the finishing touch for different colors and accents. “People sometimes put quite a lot of money and effort into their rooms and lighting can help to show them to their best effect,” says Martin.

* Add A Ceiling Fan With A Light Source. With the flip of a switch, a ceiling fan with a light kit can improve a room’s livability with both comfort and light. It is just one more example of how light works wonders in the home. “Having more lighting options creates a better lifestyle and it enriches our lives in terms of the time we spend in our homes,” says Phillips.

To see the latest lighting products and to talk to an expert about how to improve lighting in your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, visit your local ALA-member retail showroom or go online to www.americanlightingassoc.com.

Photo courtesy of Tech Lighting

Dallas Home Inspection News is Real Estate News You Can Use!

Dallas Home Inspection News is updated every week with a variety of information that you can use in and around your home. In the Dallas Home Inspection News, we share home decorating and home improvement ideas, as well as information on senior living, green living and much more.

Make Dallas Home Inspection News your exclusive source for information and ideas related to your home!

Plus, be sure to check out all of the wonderful local Dallas businesses here on our website! They stand ready to serve you today!  Please don’t forget to mention to the merchant that you saw their information here in the Dallas Home Inspection News You Can Use.

Dallas Home Inspection News!